Read more about Tooth Exposure in our Procedures section.
The exposure of an impacted tooth is a surgical procedure and your post operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and complications can be reduced to a minimum by adhering to the following instructions carefully.
Immediately After Tooth Exposure Surgery
Vigorous mouth rinsing following surgery should be avoided. Do not disturb the surgical site. Surgical packing may have been placed to keep the tooth exposed. If this becomes dislodged, do not be alarmed. Contact our office or Dr Chahoud for advice.
Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This will usually coincide with the anaesthetic wearing off.
Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
Place ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by placing a damp bite pack eg: damp folded tissue, gauze or tampon over the bleeding area and bite firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding does not subside within an hour contact the surgery or Dr Chahoud’s mobile if after hours.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery and usually peaks 2-3 days following the operation. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply intermittently (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) for 24 to 48 hours. Sleep with your head propped up on two pillows to avoid swelling. Stiffness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event which will resolve in time.
Diet
You can commence eating on the day of surgery but you must avoid anything hot. You can begin with soft solid foods and plenty of fluids. Scrambled eggs, fish, mashed vegetables, yogurt is a good example. A soft diet is recommended until your mouth feels comfortable. Eating regularly is very important to avoid nausea caused by the medications. A nutrient rich diet will help you to feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster. Please see our recommended food list for more ideas.
Pain Relief
Dr Chahoud will have prescribed appropriate pain relief and this will be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy on the day of your surgery. You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the anaesthetic wearing off. When taking these medications avoid alcohol and driving. For moderate pain, use milder pain medications such as Panadol or Nurofen (no script necessary), reserving the stronger medications for night time if needed.
Mouth Rinse and Oral Care
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Do not rinse your mouth on the evening of surgery. Begin normal tooth brushing and rinsing the day after surgery. Your mouth will be sensitive so we suggest using a baby’s toothbrush which can be purchased at any supermarket or chemist. It has a small head and very soft bristles. Rinse your mouth with Savacol Mouth Wash at half strength ie half a cap of Savacol mixed with half a cap of warm water. Rinse 3 times daily after meals and continue for up to one week after surgery.
Stitches will dissolve or come away approximately 5 to 12 days after surgery.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Resting for at least five days after surgery is advisable to help keep swelling and bleeding to a minimum. Routine exercise can usually commence seven days after surgery.
