NavigationAfter Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Bleeding
Bleeding is normal after surgery. To control this, place a gauze pack over the surgical site and apply pressure in that area by biting on the gauze, for 20-30 minutes. This may be difficult due to the location of the site and your braces being “in the way”. Repeat this process until the bleeding has stopped. Nonetheless, some slight oozing may occur for the first few days.
If the gauze does not adequately control the bleeding, a tea bag may be wrapped in the gauze and placed over the surgical site.
Vigorous rinsing, drinking through a straw, spitting, and smoking all aggravate the bleeding and should be avoided for the first 24 hours. If excessive bleeding occurs, please notify our office.
Discomfort
Discomfort often accompanies this surgical procedure. Besides discomfort at the surgical site, pain may be referred to other areas, such as the ear.
It may be helpful to take prescribed medication for pain relief. However, in some cases, pain medications may cause nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach. These medications may also cause dizziness. Therefore, do not consume alcohol, drive, or operate machinery. If you are able, take Advil or other similar medications in addition to or instead of prescription pain medications. You can also take Tylenol instead of prescription pain medication, but not in conjunction with it as many prescription pain medications also often contain Tylenol.
Do not wait for the pain to become severe before taking pain medications.
Brackets
Often a bracket is bonded or glued to the tooth with a chain extended from the bracket to a nearby orthodontic wire. These brackets are intended to stay attached to the tooth but sometimes loosen. Fortunately, this is an uncommon occurrence.
If the bracket does come loose, call our office or the orthodontist.
Diet
You may begin by taking liquids immediately following your surgery. You may progress from liquids to soft foods to a regular diet over the first day or so. It is important to keep in mind that a good diet will promote healing and should allow better tolerance of medications.
Remember, do not take any pain medication on an empty stomach.
Post-Operative Appointment
It is important that we see you for a follow-up appointment approximately 7-10 days following your surgery. Also, you should see your orthodontist for follow-up within a couple of weeks of our procedure, so the tooth can be activated to guide its eruption.
Questions
If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at Wilmington Office Phone Number 302-477-1800.
Following surgery, it is very important to have something to eat and/or drink. It is also helpful to take two Advil (400 mg. Ibuprofen). If you are unable to take Advil, please let us know so we can advise you on what else you might be able to take. These types of medications give you a head start in minimizing discomfort before the numbness wears off.
Since pain medicine can upset your stomach, it may be best to take half of the prescribed amount. Since most tablets are scored, they can easily be broken in half. This approach will allow you to see how the medication will affect you and minimize the chance of experiencing side effects. Remember, you can always add to it if it doesn’t quite cover your discomfort. For example, one tablet every 4-6 hours would convert to ½ tablet every 2 – 3 hours.
Get up slowly after surgery and after taking any prescription pain medication. Rising too quickly can cause your blood pressure to decrease and result in lightheadedness or actual fainting. If you faint, the person with you should lay you down gently and raise your legs above the level of your head to allow for good circulation. Do not bend over and put your head in your lap. Finally, do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcoholic beverages, or do anything that requires focus or concentration while taking prescription pain medication or for 24 hours after taking it.