After exposure of an impacted tooth
Be careful not to disturb the wound. Don’t remove surgical packing if it has been applied. In this manner, the exposed tooth is kept safe. Do not be alarmed if it becomes dislodged or falls out; instead, contact our office for instructions on how to replace it.
Bleeding
Saliva can be a little red or bleed for 24 hours. A gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound can often be used to control excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth with blood. For at least 30 minutes, bite with pressure on the gauze pad. For further instructions, please contact us if bleeding continues.
Swelling
It is normal for a patient to experience swelling after surgery. The area near the surgery site should be packed with ice cubes or an ice bag. During the first 36 hours, apply as much ice as possible.
Diet
Fluids are essential. Do not consume hot liquids or hard foods. After the surgery, you should only consume liquids and soft foods. Once you get back to a normal diet, follow the instructions instructed by your healthcare provider.
Pain
When you feel the local anesthetic wear off, it’s time to start taking pain medication. Follow the directions on your prescription.
In adults, no more than 3200mg of ibuprofen should be taken per day. Take narcotics as prescribed if pain is greater than 6/10. In general, hydrocodone/Tylenol 5 mg/325 mg is prescribed. Each tablet should be taken every 4-6 hours. For children under 12 years of age, please consult our practice. If you are taking pain medication, consider switching to a different drug.
The above medications should not be taken if you have an allergy to them, or if you have been told not to by your doctor. Driving a car or working with machinery is not advised. Alcohol should be avoided. Following surgery, pain and discomfort should lessen every day. You should call our office if you experience persistent pain. Please call the doctor as soon as possible if you feel nauseated or constipated.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics must be taken according to the instructions in order to prevent infection. Taking Amoxicillin 500mg every 8 hours during the course of seven days is the recommended dosage, or you can take it as directed by your doctor. Taking Clindamycin 300mg per week or as prescribed by your doctor will require one capsule taken every 6 hours for a week. Probiotics should be taken with antibiotics to prevent yeast infection. Antibiotics may render oral contraceptives ineffective if you take them. As a result, special precautions should be taken to avoid pregnancy during this period.
Oral Hygiene
A healthy mouth requires proper oral hygiene. Starting the day after surgery, you should thoroughly clean your mouth after each meal. After surgery, brush your teeth as normal as possible. You should brush your teeth with warm salt water six times a day (1 teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water). Ensure that the wound has completely healed by continuing to apply pressure.
REMEMBER: Clean wounds heal extremely fast.
Activity
Exercise is not recommended immediately after surgery. Exercise can cause throbbing and bleeding. Exercise should be stopped if this happens. It is important that you be aware of the reduced intake of nourishment. If you exercise too much, you may get weak. Exercise should be stopped if you become lightheaded.
The infection should pass within a few days and you will be able to resume your normal activities. Call our office immediately at 000-000-0000 if you are experiencing heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or if you are experiencing a reaction to the medicine. In the evenings, he can be reached at 000-000-0000. If you would like to contact him, please don’t hesitate to do so.