After exposure of an impacted tooth
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Exposure of an impacted tooth is a common procedure done to assist in the positioning of a tooth which has not erupted into the proper position in the mouth. Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack is placed in some cases to help keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out do not be alarmed.
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bleeding
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A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon, even for a few days after surgery. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first gently rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad directly over the site of surgery and biting firmly with constant pressure for thirty minutes. The gauze can be folded or two can be combined if needed. Repeat this if it doesn’t work the first thirty minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes, again, being sure to place it directly over the surgery site (typically, the tooth socket) with firm, constant pressure. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. Avoid hot liquids and foods. It is also important to sit upright, remain calm and limit your physical activity. If bleeding does not subside, call us (510-797-9100) for further instructions.
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swelling
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The normal swelling that is expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. A certain amount is almost always to be expected. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling may not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs, before it occurs. Two small, plastic bags filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be used on a schedule of 20 minutes on and 5 minutes off, continuously, as long as the patient is not sleeping or eating. After 24 hours, ice generally has no beneficial effect on the swelling, but many patients find it to be a helpful adjunct in reducing pain. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. Thirty-six hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can be beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling. Once the normal post-operative swelling has resolved, it should not re-occur; if swelling does return, or, is progressively worsening, please contact the office (510-797-9100 or 408-916-9100).
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diet
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Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. If intravenous anesthesia was used for the surgery and fasting was required, fluid intake is especially important. Do not use straws. Drink from a glass. The sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. You may eat anything soft by chewing away form the surgical site or sites if multiple areas were treated. High calorie, high protein intake is very important. Nourishment should be taken regularly. You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your food intake will be a challenge for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. At least 5-6 glasses of liquid should be taken daily; fluid replacement and maintenance is very important and should not be underestimated. Try not to miss a single meal; commonly available nutritional supplement drinks can be very helpful. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat. Avoid any fluids or foods that are hot; your lips and mouth will be numb so test with your hand. Caution: If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position you may become dizzy; this is often a sign of poor fluid/food intake. If you have been lying down following surgery, make sure you sit upright for a few minutes before standing.
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pain
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You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.
For moderate pain, one or two tablets of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) two-four 200 mg tablets may be taken every three to four hours, not to exceed the manufacturer’s recommended daily dose. Do not take any medications if you’ve had prior allergic reactions to them. For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Do not consume alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside gradually each day. If pain persists or worsens, it may require attention and you should call the office (510-797-9100). |
oral hygiene
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You can brush your teeth as best you can the night of surgery but spit and rinse gently when doing so. The day after surgery you should begin rinsing (especially after eating) at least 5-6 times a day with a cup of lukewarm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt. Continue this procedure until healing is complete. REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster. In selected patients, a prescription mouth rinse will be ordered. If Dr. Minkin prescribed one for you, follow the instructions on the bottle.
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activity
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Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If either happens, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.
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