After Exposure/Bonding of an Impacted Tooth

Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure

After an Expose and Bond is performed, do not disturb, touch or pick at the area. 

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for up to 24 hours. You will leave the office with gauze that you will keep in place, changing it every 20-30 minutes for the first few hours following the procedure. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice pack or a plastic bag filled with ice cubes near the area of surgery. Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. Avoiding anything chewy, sticky or hard.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. Do not take the two medications at the same time.

For severe pain, a prescribed medication if given should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. 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.

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible, avoiding the surgical area. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 3-4 times a day. Continue this procedure for 7 days following surgery.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you 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.