Post-Operative Instructions:
Impacted Tooth Exposure

Patients who have undergone IV anesthesia should be carefully monitored by a responsible family member or friend for the first 6 hours after leaving our office. The patient cannot drive for 24 hours or while taking prescribed narcotic pain medication.

PAIN: A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected with any surgical procedure. This varies with the amount of surgery required. Discomfort is usually well-controlled by the prescribed medications. Make sure to eat before taking any narcotic pain medication to prevent nausea, the most common side effect. Take all prescribed pain medication as directed by Dr. McPhillips.

BLEEDING: Bleeding follows any surgical procedure and should not alarm you unless it is excessive or persistent. To control bleeding, we will place a gauze dressing over the surgical site(s) and have the patient apply firm pressure. This pressure will stop the bleeding.

• The gauze will need to be changed every hour for the first few hours after surgery. It will be important to ensure the gauze is directly over the surgical site and the patient has firm pressure applied. This will be done until the bleeding stops.
• Remove the gauze when eating or drinking to avoid choking.
• Make sure to remove all gauze and tea bags from the mouth before taking naps or going to bed so there is no risk of choking.
• Once the bleeding has stopped, remove gauze from the mouth.

SWELLING & DISCOLORATIONS: These are a normal part of the healing process and, unless extreme, are of no significant concern. Early application of ice can be helpful in decreasing the amount of swelling, which peaks 72 hours after surgery. Place an ice pack to the surgery side of your face in 20-minute intervals for the first 24–36 hours as you feel up to it. Do not continue the ice overnight. Keep your head elevated on 2 pillows. This will also help to reduce the severity of swelling.

ORAL HYGIENE: Keeping your mouth clean will reduce the likelihood of infection. It will be difficult to brush the teeth in the surgery site. Use a dampened Q-tip to clean the incision and the teeth near the surgery site. Brush the remaining teeth as normal. If prescribed a mouth rinse, use this as directed for the first week after surgery.

DIET: For your comfort, start with clear cool liquids after surgery. Your diet can be advanced as you feel up to it once the numbness wears off.

• It will be difficult to bite into foods for the first week. Cut your food into smaller bites and chew in the back to avoid the surgical site.
• Do not use a straw or drink carbonated beverages for the first 3 days after surgery.

CALL THIS OFFICE REGARDING ANY COMPLICATIONS. These can include but are not limited to a fever over 101.3, discomfort not controlled by prescribed pain medications, prolonged or excessive bleeding, or excessive swelling. After regular business hours, you can contact Dr. McPhillips by calling our office answering service at (254) 965-2541 for any concerns.