After exposure of impacted tooth

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours.
Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly 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 call our office for further instructions.

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery.
To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the area of surgery.
Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 48 hours.

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.

You should begin taking pain medication before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.
For moderate pain, Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours as directed on the packaging. You should not exceed 4000mg of Tylenol in any 24 hour period. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 3-4 tablets may be taken every 6-8 hours as needed for pain.
Do not exceed 3000mg of Tylenol OR 3200mg of Ibuprofen in any 24 hour period.
For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or if you have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

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) after every meal.
Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

PLEASE NOTE: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Immediately after surgery, keep physical activities to a minimum.
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.