An impacted tooth, which occurs when a tooth doesn't fully grow in through the gums, can become a painful situation if infection sets in. Although wisdom teeth are the most likely culprits, any tooth can become impacted. Removal is typically done through surgery. These tips can help you navigate post-surgical care so you can heal quickly.
Tip #1: Control the Bleeding
Bleeding may continue for several hours after surgery, which is usually nothing to be alarmed over. Simply leave the gauze in place for about an hour after your surgery is over. If the area is still bleeding, dampen a clean wad of gauze in water and gently bite down on it. You can replace the gauze every 30 minutes or so until the bleeding stops.
Tip #2: Skip the Tobacco
Tobacco products, especially smoking, can slow down healing because tobacco affects circulation. Skip the cigarettes until your mouth has finished healing, or at least for the first few days after your surgery. Chewing tobacco should be completely avoided until you are done healing, since you don't want the tobacco to infiltrate the surgical site.
Tip #3: Keep It Clean
Regular oral hygiene is a must when you are healing from an impacted tooth extraction surgery. Generally, you can brush following surgery and you should continue your daily brushing and flossing routine; just avoid the surgical site. Your dentist may give you a water syringe to wash the surgical site – simply fill it with warm salt water and gently rinse out the site with the stream of water from the syringe. This should be done each time after you eat, since food debris in the site can lead to infection.
Tip #4: Take It Easy
You don't want to go on a five mile jog, play a hockey game, or even visit the gym for a few days after your surgery. Exercise gets the blood flowing, which can lead to increased bleeding in your mouth. Injury can also occur, which could result in a few popped stitches at best or trauma to the surgical site at worst.
Tip #5: Manage Your Discomfort
Pain is a normal part of the process, but your dental surgeon may prescribe pain pills or recommend over the counter pain treatments. Use these if you need them. If swelling occurs, you can usually apply ice to the cheek on the side with the swelling. Bruising on the face may also occur, depending on how badly the tooth was impacted, but this should go away in a few days. Other side effects of the surgery include chapped lips, a sore throat, slight nausea, and a stiff jaw. These should all resolve on their own within a couple of days, but you should contact your dentist if you are concerned.
For more information about recovering from oral surgery, contact a clinic like Oral Surgery On Merivale.
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