Exposure of Impacted Canine Tooth Postoperative Instructions

After exposure of an impacted canine tooth, following the Pacific Oral Surgery Exposure of Impacted Canine Tooth Postoperative Instructions will give you the best chance of a quick recovery and optimal postoperative results.

Impacted Canine Tooth Postoperative Instructions

The exposure of an impacted canine tooth involves a relatively minor surgical procedure. The tooth is first located with the help of an x-ray image. The overlying tissues are then raised away from the tooth to expose the crown of the tooth.

FIRST HOUR after Surgery

Maintain light pressure by biting down gently but firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas. Keeping them in place is important. The packs help to keep the tooth exposed. The packs may be gently removed after one hour. If active bleeding persists, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 30 minutes. It is best to moisten the gauze with tap water and loosely fluff for more comfortable positioning.

Bleeding

Bleeding will occur after surgery, and it is not uncommon to ooze blood for the first 24 hours.  Bleeding should never be severe, and keep in mind that oral bleeding represents a little blood and a lot of saliva. Placing a moist gauze pack over the area and biting down gently but firmly will control bleeding. If oozing persists, replace gauze as needed every 30-45 minutes. Biting on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes can also help stop bleeding. The tannic acid in the tea leaves helps to promote blood clotting. It is helpful to sit upright in a recliner and avoid physical activity during this period.

Pain

Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic starting to wear off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over-the-counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed. You will usually have a prescription for pain medication. For more substantial pain, take the prescribed pain medication as directed. If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may supplement each prescribed pain pill with aspirin or ibuprofen. The most severe pain is usually within six hours after the local anesthetic wears off.  After that, your need for pain medicine should lessen.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, fill a plastic bag with crushed ice or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a moist towel and place it on the cheek over the area of surgery. Apply ice for the first 24 hours when you are awake by alternating between 20 minutes on, then 10 minutes off, throughout the day. If you have been prescribed medicine for the control of swelling, be sure to take it as directed.

Oral Hygiene

It is important to keep the mouth clean. You should brush your teeth the night of surgery, but be gentle around the surgical sites. If there is minimal bleeding, saltwater rinses may begin 24 hours after surgery (mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 12 ounces of water). Swish gently and allow the water to drip into the sink. Take 5 minutes and rinse with the entire glass a little at a time. Rinses should be done 2-3 times a day, especially after eating.

Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can occur as a result of prescribed pain medicines. Post-operative nausea is usually self-limiting, and sipping on flat cola or ginger ale often helps. If nausea persists, stop taking the prescribed pain medicine and substitute an over-the-counter pain medicine for the next dose or until nausea subsides. If nausea persists, call our office.

Diet

Soft or pureed foods (such as warm soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes, etc.) should be eaten on the day of surgery. Avoid hot liquids or foods for the first 48 hours. Do not use a straw for the first few days after surgery. It is best to avoid foods like rice, nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc., which may get lodged in the surgical areas. Over the next several days, you may gradually return to solid foods. It is important not to skip meals! If you take nourishment regularly you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster. If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits or follow instructions given by your doctor.

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.

Bracket or other Orthodontic Attachment

In some cases, a bracket or other orthodontic attachment may be placed at the time of surgery; should the bracket come off before visiting the orthodontist, please call our office. You should plan to see your orthodontist within 7 -14 days to activate the eruption process by applying the proper rubber band to the chain on your tooth. During this visit, your orthodontist will evaluate the healing process and make sure you are maintaining good oral hygiene.

By following these Post Operative Instructions for the Exposure of an Impacted Tooth, you can avoid unnecessary pain and swelling.  This process will assist you in making your recovery as smooth and pleasant as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your progress, please call our office.