Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully. If you have had any form of sedation, please refrain from driving for at least 24 hours.
After Care:
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Bite gently gauze for 15-20 min. If oozing persists, replace with a new piece of gauze and bite for an additional 15-20 min. Continue this rotation until bleeding becomes light; You only need to bite on gauze if you see excessive oozing.
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You can apply ice packs on the outside of face. Keep ice packs on the area for 20-30 min. each hour for the first 48 hours. (Swelling may peak at days 3-4 after surgery, and then subside.)
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Avoid strenuous activities for the next 48 hours. Activities that increase your heart rate may cause additional bleeding.
It is important that you have a follow up appointment with your orthodontist.
Diet:
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Nausea is common after anesthesia. Start by drinking clear fluids and advance to soft foods as long as your stomach has settled. (Pudding, yogurt, applesauce, milk shakes, protein shakes, mash potatoes, eggs, over cooked noodles) Maintain soft foods for a week after surgery.
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AVOID foods that can get stuck in surgical sites. (Chips, nuts, seeds, popcorn, rice). The area will be tender, as if you ate something too hot.
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DO NOT BITE INTO FOODS WITH FRONT TEETH; Make sure you are cutting up food and chewing with your back teeth. It is important to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the bracket that has been placed.
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Avoid straws for 2 weeks after surgery.
Hygiene:
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You can resume brushing your teeth 24 hours after surgery. You may gently rinse with warm salt water; 1 tsp of salt in 8oz of warm water. This will help heal & sooth the area. NO vigorous swishing/rinsing.
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DO NOT probe surgical site.
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Starting 1 week after surgery it is important to brush and clean the exposed tooth just as you would any other tooth in your mouth. Being gentle not to remove the bracket bonded to the tooth.