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After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Try your best to not disturb the surgical site. You may notice a small gold chain emerging through the gum tissue. Do not be alarmed, this chain is connected to the bracket that was placed. Occasionally, the gold chain may come loose and hang down in the mouth. If this is bothersome for you, please contact Dr. Miner or Dr. Weideman for advice.

It is likely that sutures were placed in the gum tissue. Typically, these sutures are self dissolving, and will disappear within 2-7 days. Occasionally, they may be removed if they are bothersome to you.

Bleeding

A moderate amount of bleeding or oozing is expected following your surgical procedure. Bite down gently on gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical site, making sure they remain in place. Do not change them for the first hour, unless the bleeding is not controlled. If active bleeding persists, place enough gauze to obtain firm pressure over the surgical site for an additional hour. The gauze then may be changed as necessary. If there is no evidence that bleeding is slowing down after 4-5 hours, place a moist tea bag over the surgical site and bite down firmly for 1 hour. If bleeding persists, please call the office at (303) 791-3232.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after oral surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or cold compression the cheek adjacent to the area of surgery. Apply the ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 48 hours following your surgery. After 48 hours, begin applying moist heat packs to decrease swelling and stiffness.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

Oral surgery will likely be associated with some degree of discomfort. Please begin taking the prescribed pain medication within the first 1-2 hours following your procedure. It is advisable to take your pill(s) with a light meal to reduce the chance of nausea. The effects of pain medication vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may supplement with an analgesic such as Motrin or Ibuprofen. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.

Jeremy K. Miner, D.D.S.

E. Marc Weideman, D.M.D., M.D.