After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure
Some impacted teeth when uncovered require a dental pack be placed to prevent the tissue from healing over the teeth before orthodontic intervention. The “pack” is a hard, light cured material which needs to remain in place for 2 – 6 weeks. Visually check on a daily basis this pack is in place. If the pack comes off prior to your scheduled orthodontic appointment, please contact our office for instruction at Edmonton Office Phone Number 780-454-6565.
Do not smoke or vape and avoid alcoholic beverages.
Please follow the instructions given you the day of your surgery.
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BRACKETS, BUTTONS OR CHAINS
These are metal objects, which may be bonded to the uncovered or exposed teeth. Their purpose is to allow the orthodontist access to these teeth. Chains are generally sutured or wired up so they are out of the patient’s way while eating. If the chain is hanging loose and causing problems when chewing, please contact our office.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please contact our office for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or a plastic bag filled with ice cubes on your cheek near the area of surgery. Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours.
Diet and nutrition
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. Good nutrition is essential for healing.
If a dental pack, brackets, buttons, or chains have been placed, sticky, toffee-type foods and gum chewing should be avoided. These may inadvertently adhere to the packing or hardware and cause them to be loosened or dislodged.
Pain
You may receive a prescription for pain medications, antibiotics (to prevent infection), anti-inflammatories, and an oral rinse. Please have the prescription filled at a pharmacy directly after leaving our facility.
Prior to leaving Kingsway Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, you will receive your first dose of pain medication from the nurse. Continue to take the medication every 4 (four) hours regularly until the freezing subsides. After the freezing subsides, take the pain medication as prescribed. Follow the nurse’s instructions on the use of non-prescription and prescription medication. Do not take more than one pain medication at a time. Antibiotics should be started on the day of surgery, within the first 2 to 4 hours following the extraction. The oral rinse should be started the day following surgery. Antibiotics and pain medications should not be taken on an empty stomach as they may cause nausea and vomiting. Please take all medication with dairy/non-dairy products such as chocolate milk, high-fat milk, lactose-free milk, soy milk, yogurt, or ice cream. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE MEDICATION WITH WATER. Always carefully read and follow the label directions and dosing instructions.
Nausea may also be caused by swallowing blood. If nausea persists, you may purchase Gravol at the pharmacy. If vomiting is active, a rectal suppository is the preferred way to administer Gravol.
Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery as you are legally impaired. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should contact our office.
Oral Hygiene
PROPER ORAL HYGIENE IS ESSENTIAL TO REDUCE INFECTION AND ENHANCE HEALING.
Teeth that have been uncovered or exposed and NO dental pack placed over need to be kept meticulously clean. The teeth are recessed in the tissue causing a large open area where food debris may be trapped.
Use the syringe provided routinely after every meal to flush the surgical area until it is completely healed. Fill the syringe with tap water, then place it directly over the surgical sites; flush the area as necessary. You may notice food debris being washed from the surgical sites for a period of time. This is normal. Rinse with the syringe until no food debris is present.
Oral cleanliness is absolutely essential for good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible. Gently rinse (avoid spitting) with Listerine or warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day until healing is complete.
REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.
Activity
Avoid strenuous activity and physical activities for a few days after surgery as these activities increase your blood pressure and more bleeding will occur at the exposed site(s).
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT
If a dental pack has been placed, a follow-up appointment to have this packing removed will be required. An appointment may be scheduled for you at our office or you may be advised to arrange an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist.
WE PREFER THAT YOU CALL OUR OFFICE FIRST RATHER THAN YOUR OWN DENTIST OR FAMILY DOCTOR. However, if you are experiencing severe bleeding or breathing problems requiring IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, please proceed to the nearest Emergency Department or Dial 911.
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Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment!