These instructions apply only if you had an impacted tooth, such as an upper canine (The ‘I’ tooth) exposed or uncovered with application of an orthodontic chain and bracket.
Do not disturb the wound. Sometimes a surgical packing is placed to hold open the wound and keep the tooth exposed. If this is the case, leave it alone, the orthodontist will take it out when required. If it gets dislodged or falls out do not get alarmed.
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal following surgery and during the day. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling 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 for further instructions.
Swelling and bruising is normal following surgery and is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling usually becomes apparent the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. Thirty-six hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling.
Maintain a liquid diet initially. Increase your diet towards normal foods as comfort allows. High calorie, high protein intake is very important. Lack of adequate nutrition can result in increased pain and infection.
You should begin taking pain medication such as ibuprofen before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. Unless otherwise directed, a normal adult should take Ibuprofen 200mg (Advil, MotrinIB) 3 tablets every 6 hours. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed in addition to the ibuprofen. Tylenol can also be taken for pain along with the ibuprofen, (or in place of ibuprofen if your doctor does not want you to use ibuprofen), but as most narcotic preparations have Tylenol in combination (such as hydrocodone and acetaminophen which is generic Vicodin) be careful not to consume too much Tylenol.
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. You may begin gentle rinsing with water or mouthwashes 24 hours after surgery. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.
REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.
Restrict your activities the day of surgery and preferably the next day (rest and keep your head up) and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.