After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Caring for the Area

• Do not disturb the wound.

• If surgical packing was placed, leave it in position — it helps keep the tooth exposed.

• If the packing loosens or falls out, don’t be alarmed.

Bleeding

• Mild bleeding or pink saliva is normal for up to 24 hours.

• If bleeding is heavy and your mouth fills quickly with blood, place gauze directly over the area and bite firmly for 10 minutes.

• If bleeding continues, please contact the practice.

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal.

• Apply an ice pack (or a towel/plastic bag filled with ice) to the cheek over the surgical area.

• Use ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours.

Eating and Drinking

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Avoid hot food and drinks.

• Eat soft foods on the day of surgery.

• Return to a normal diet once the numbness has worn off.

• If a gold chain has been attached, avoid sticky foods.

Pain Relief

• Begin pain relief as the local anaesthetic starts to wear off.

• Paracetamol is usually sufficient.

• For moderate discomfort, Paracetamol combined with Ibuprofen or Voltaren can help.

• Difflam oral rinse may also be helpful and can be used about 5 minutes before meals (available from pharmacies).

Oral Hygiene

• Keeping the area clean helps it heal faster.

• From the day after surgery, clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal.

• Brush your teeth gently.

• Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times daily.

• Use the provided Chlorhexidine mouth rinse (Curasept) twice daily if tolerated (some younger patients find the taste strong).

• Continue until healing is complete.

Remember: a clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

• Keep physical activity to a minimum for the first few days.

• Exercise may cause throbbing or bleeding — if this happens, stop and rest.

• Reduced food intake can make you feel light-headed. If this occurs, stop exercising.