EXPOSURE-REPOSITIONING OF TEETH | Surgical Instructions
Instructions Following Exposure & Repositioning of Teeth
Expect some oozing of blood from the gum tissue. This area may also be sensitive to salty, spicy or sweet foods. Oozing from the exposure site(s) overnight is normal. You may replace gauze packs and gently bite down for 30 minutes to control bleeding. A tea bag soaked in hot water, squeezed damp dry, and wrapped in moist gauze, may be substituted for gauze packing.
During the first 24 hours apply ice packs to the cheek adjacent to the surgical area (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off), to the skin over the tender areas. This will help minimize swelling.
After 24 hours, you may apply ice or warm compresses (what ever feels better), 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, to the skin over the tender areas.
Eat soft food for the next 10-14 days. Avoid chewing in the area(s) where the teeth were exposed / repositioned.
Maintain good oral hygiene. You can brush and floss like usual, but be gentile in the area were the tooth was exposed / repositioned. Make every effort to clean your teeth within your range of comfort.
Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or use of water picks. The day after your surgery, begin gently rinsing your mouth with salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) 2-3 times a day
In some cases, a pink, hard packing may have been placed over the area where the tooth was exposed. Do not worry if this falls out. Do not try to replace it. Call the office the next business day if this occurs. Usually it does not require replacement.
In some cases sutures are placed. They usually dissolve and start to come out in 7-10 days.
Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
Take all medications as prescribed. Prescription pain medicine may cause nausea. Taking a small amount of food prior to taking your pain pill can reduce the chance of nausea. If you do not get adequate pain relief, you may supplement your pain medicine with ibuprofen
(Advil® or Motrin®). If you anticipate needing more prescription medication for the weekend please note: TELEPHONE CALLS FOR NARCOTIC (PAIN KILLER) PRESCRIPTION RENEWAL ARE ONLY ACCEPTED DURING OFFICE HOURS.
Sometimes the after effects of surgery are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt follow these guidelines or call our office for clarification.
Our 24 hr, 7 days a week contact number is 814-235-7700
Greg F. Kewitt, D.M.D., M.D., F.A.C.S. and the staff of Centre Oral & Facial Surgery specialize in
oral & maxillofacial surgery procedures including dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom tooth
removal, and cosmetic surgery. Our practice is located at 474 Windmere Drive, Ste. 202,
State College, PA 16801
