After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

  1. If you went to sleep today for your surgery (had IV sedation) go home and rest when discharged from our office.  You may be sleepy, have some memory loss, and may become nauseated, dizzy, and/or faint from the sedation.  An adult MUST stay with you for 12-24 hours after your surgery.  Today, lie on your right side with your head elevated until all the effects of the anesthetic disappear.  You must not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours (longer if you feel any residual effect from the anesthetic or are taking the prescription pain medication).  Do not use stairs by yourself.  No strenuous activity for 2-3 days.
  2. Bleeding:  The gauze may be changed every 1 (one) hour for the next 2-4 hours.  Leave 2-3 pieces of gauze together, fold in half then half again, moisten slightly with tap water, and place over the surgical area(s).
  3. Apply an ice pack to the lip for 20 minutes then remove it for 30 minutes.  Continue this for the next 24-48 hours to help decrease swelling.  You may use ice and/or warm moist compresses after that time.  Whatever makes you feel better.  Elevate your head more than normal for at least one week to decrease swelling because you may not see much swelling for 2-4 days.
  4. Before going to bed tonight (if the numbness has worn off) you may start rinsing your mouth with Peridex (if your Dr. gave you a prescription for it)  and alternate that with (or just use) warm salt water rinses (1/4 teaspoon to 1/4 cup of very warm water)after each meal and before bedtime.  The area will be sore and bleed some with brushing but this will stop as the area heals.
  5. The sutures will dissolve and fall out on their own in 2-14 days.
  6. Keep your mouth clean to prevent infection.  Brush your teeth as usual being careful at the surgical area(s).
  7. Do not pull or jerk on the gold chain that you see hanging down but do try to keep it clean.  Use the curved syringe that we gave you to irrigate/clean the little chain.
  8. You may eat/drink soft cool foods while you are numb today.  Do not smoke, spit or suck on a straw as this may increase bleeding.
  9. Eat as tolerated after the numbness is gone but do not bite into anything hard or tough (ex. raw apples, carrots, etc)  that could dislodge the chain.  Also, hot, spicy food or citrus juices may really sting the surgical areas.
  10. You may run a low-grade fever between the 1st and 3rd day after surgery.  If your temperature goes to 101 degrees, you notice pus-like drainage or an area that is hard, redder, swollen, and/or you experience an increase in pain, please call our office immediately.
  11. You may take Ibuprofen or Advil as directed on the bottle (if you have no allergies or contraindication with this type of medication).  This anti-inflammatory medication is good for mild to moderate surgical pain as well as any soreness and stiffness in the cheeks from having your mouth open for the surgery.  DO NOT TAKE EXTRA TYLENOL IF YOU ARE USING A NARCOTIC CONTAINING TYLENOL ALREADY.  Eating or drinking at least 1 (one) cup of food and/or water before taking any medication will lessen stomach upset and/or nausea that may otherwise occur.
  12. Narcotics will not be given after office hours.
  13. Please be assured that our interest in your case does not end with the completion of surgery.  If you have an emergency after hours, please go to the nearest emergency room or call our office for further automated instructions.

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