Following your procedure to expose an impacted tooth, Dr. Jiries Mogannam, Dr. Vicente Chavez, Dr. Christopher Chow and Dr. William Verlinden recommend that you:

• Do not dislodge any packing material, but you should contact our office if it falls out or becomes dislodged.
• Minimize swelling by applying a cold compress or ice to the cheeks.
• Minimize bleeding by placing gauze on the site and applying pressure for a half hour.
• Keep hydrated and avoid malnourishment by eating soft food on the day of your visit, then resume a normal diet when possible. Do not consume extremely hot liquids and avoid crunchy snacks that may damage the site.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Follow all directions when taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medication, including safety concerns regarding machinery or driving.
• Brush your teeth and keep your mouth as clean as possible after each meal. If directed by our oral surgeons, use a salt water rinse to help maintain oral hygiene.

As with any procedure, be aware of your body. If you experience any unusual or aggressive symptoms, call Petaluma Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center at 707-769-1414 or meet with our oral surgeons in Petaluma, California.