After Exposure of an Impacted tooth

Oral Hygiene: Keeping the surgical site clean is important and relates directly to speed of healing of the wound. Please continue to brush and floss as always. Please use an extra soft toothbrush to brush around the newly exposed tooth and or hardware.

Diet: Please eat a soft diet for the next 7 days. Food that is fibrous should be avoided(no apples/ panini sandwiches). Examples of appropriate food include well cooked eggs/Mashed potatoes. If the exposure was performed on one side only. Food that requires chewing can be eaten on the opposite side but not the surgical site side.

Pain: Typically this is a mildly painful surgery and most patients can get by on over the counter pain medications. Generally Ibuprophen (200mg x4 = 800mg) taken every 6 hrs is sufficient. Tylenol 500mg every 4-5hrs can be added as well. If pain is very intense narcotic prescription pain medication was prescribed and may be taken according to the prescription. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Swelling: typically some swelling is to be expected but generally mild. Gums are moved and replaced to allow finding the tooth and exposure of the teeth.

Bleeding: Typically minimal bleeding is encountered. Again this is mostly because the gums are replaced after the exposure portion of the procedure.

Activity: No restrictions in activity are warranted unless you underwent sedation. Sedation restrictions for 24 hrs would apply.