Following surgery, try not to disturb the wound. You may have surgical packing in place to keep the tooth exposed. Do not bother the packing, but also do not worry if it falls out on its own.

Bleeding

Following surgery, some slight bleeding or red saliva is normal and may continue on and off for 12-24 hours. If you experience excessive bleeding, you may be able to control it by placing fresh gauze over the areas and biting on the gauze for 30-45 minutes at a time. It is best to moisten the gauze with tap water and loosely fluff for more comfortable positioning. If bleeding continues, repeat this step, or try biting down on a moist tea bag (soaked in water, squeezed damp and wrapped in a moist gauze) for 20 or 30 minutes. Finally, you can minimize bleeding by resting, elevating your head, and avoiding physical exercise or excitement. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office. 

Do NOT sleep with gauze in your mouth. Old pillowcases and bedding should be used for the first 2 days following the procedure.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery, and the best way to control swelling is by applying ice to the affected side of your face. For the first 72 hours after surgery, continuously use ice as much as possible while awake. After 72 hours, we recommend applying heat therapy on the cheeks with a gentle massage 3-4 times daily to help further reduce swelling and soreness.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid hot foods and beverages. On the day of surgery, stick to soft foods and liquids, then advance to a regular diet as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. If a gold chain or other hardware was connected to your impacted tooth, clean and rinse the area after each meal to promote healing and avoid infection.

Pain

We recommend beginning any prescribed pain medications before your numbing medicine wears off.

If you experience mild to moderate pain, you may take 1-2 tablets of Acetaminophen (Tylenol® or Extra Strength Tylenol®) every 6 hours.  Ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) can also help control pain, swelling, and inflammation. Ibuprofen generally comes in 200mg tablets; your doctor may suggest a 600mg dosage every 6 hours or an 800mg dosage every 8 hours.

Your doctor may prescribe narcotic pain medications for more severe pain. Narcotic pain medications can cause you to feel groggy, and they may also slow your reflexes. We recommend not driving, operating machinery, or drinking alcohol when taking narcotic pain medicines.  

Following 72 hours after surgery, pain should become less and less pronounced each day. If discomfort persists or intensifies, contact the office.

Oral Hygiene

A clean mouth is an essential part of the healing process. On the day of your surgery, you may gently brush your teeth at night to keep your mouth as clean as possible, but avoid brushing at the surgery site for the first 72 hours after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort. Begin rinsing with salt water 3-4 times daily, especially after eating. Use ¼ teaspoon of salt dissolved in a ¼ cup of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire amount. DO NOT SPIT, let the salt water solution fall out of your mouth into the sink.

Your surgeon may prescribe a prescription-strength mouthwash and/or salt water rinses.

Activity

The day after your surgery, we advise keeping physical activity to a minimum. Physical activity may result in bleeding or throbbing. Start with light exercise, and then proceed to regular activity as tolerated.