Procedure Instructions

Impacted Tooth Exposure – After Surgery Care


  • The surgical site may be covered by a pink plastic bubble gum dressing. This will act like a band-aid over the site and will be removed in the office after one week. Do not be concerned if this falls of on its own before your post-operative appointment.
  • ​Start brushing normally 24 hours after surgery. Be gentle in the area of the wound. Do not disturb the stitches. If they are dissolvable, they will fall out on their own within a few days.
  • ​If your surgeon has attached a small gold chain to the impacted tooth, it is important that your orthodontist activate the chain soon after your surgery. If this chain becomes dislodged from the tooth, please contact our office immediately to have the chain replaced.

Bleeding

It is normal to have some bleeding following dental implant placement. It is, however, usually less than with other surgeries in the mouth.  A folded piece of gauze should be placed over the implant site and bite with firm pressure for 30-45 minutes.  Repeat if necessary.

Swelling

Swelling following dental implant surgery is normal.  It will increase until the third day after surgery.  Ice packs placed on the side of surgery for 15 minutes at a time will help minimize the swelling.  This is usually only helpful for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated will also help prevent the swelling from settling in the cheeks.

Pain Control

  • Dental Implant surgery is usually less painful than extractions or other surgical procedures in the mouth.
  • NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are a good way to control post-operative pain and swelling if you are not allergic or intolerant. Start taking Motrin (Ibuprofen) as prescribed immediately after surgery and as often as allowed during the first two days after surgery. It can be taken at the same time as prescribed narcotics and will often work better when combined with either the narcotic or Tylenol. Since Ibuprofen can also help prevent swelling, it is recommended to continue this for mild discomfort after narcotic use has ended.
  • Prescribed Narcotic Pain Medicine: If the Motrin does not control the discomfort alone, take the prescribed narcotic as well. The two drugs can be taken together. You should not drive or make important decisions while taking the narcotic pain medicine. Common side effects of narcotic pain medicine include nausea and vomiting, constipation and dizziness.

Eating

  • It is important to drink lots of fluids to replenish your body after fasting.
  • ​Soft foods will be more comfortable while you are healing during the first few days: eggs, soups, soft pasta, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, ice cream, shakes, etc.

Brushing

Start brushing normally 24 hours after surgery. Be gentle in the area of the wound. Do not disturb the stitches. If they are dissolvable, they will fall out on their own within a few days.

Oral surgical care in a safe, warm, and caring environment!

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5 of 5 stars of 811

“For the gentle care on my three extractions–you’re the best!”

5 of 5 stars of 811

Best oral surgery place! Everyone is so friendly & caring! They did a great job of making sure I was comfortable & the surgeon did an excellent job-they even gave me some Ted Drewes to bring home!

Deb M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

I had a great experience at Archway. I went there to get four wisdom teeth removed. The office was clean. The staff was nice and efficient. Dr. Loveless was warm and the Spotify music was a nice touch. The procedure went through with no problems and I didn’t feel a thing. I received a post op call and great instructions. Overall, the experience exceeded my expectations after you hear all the horror stories regarding wisdom teeth removal.

5 of 5 stars of 811

We were headed to Florida when my son came down with an abscessed tooth. Dr. Loveless was able to get us in and remove his tooth before our flight. I can’t thank Laurie enough for making what could be a scary experience for my 7 year old, a fun, pleasant one. I can’t express how thankful I am for her treating him like her own and making sure he was comfortable. She went above and beyond in my eyes and made this nervous mom rest a little easier. Thank you both!!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

Very friendly staff. Doctor spent time to explain and answer questions. Easy to make an appointment. Easy to get a recheck. Staff and Doctor made themselves readily available for questions after surgery even during holidays.

Laurie M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

My experience with the ladies and Doctor Loveless was great. I had never been put under by anesthesia before and they made me comfortable and very relaxed. They took care of me from the beginning consultation to leaving minus 4 teeth. Thankfully Dr. Loveless is a younger man so he will hopefully be around to treat my children with the same care, someday.

5 of 5 stars of 811

Great place. Super nice staff and quick procedures. Everyone I know who got surgery done elsewhere was bedridden for a week but I had almost immediate recovery time. Highly recommend this place

Clayton J.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

I went to have my wisdom teeth removed and it was the most pleasant experience. The staff and physician were very friendly and immediately put me at ease. The office was beautiful and exceptionally clean and I would definitely recommend their services to anyone and everyone!

Holly P.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

My father had gone for a root canal the night before and a root fracture was discovered so the tooth could not be saved. We called the next morning to set up an oral surgery appointment and Dr. Loveless was able to accommodate him the same day. The staff explained everything in great detail regarding finances and post operative instructions. Dr. Loveless also discovered another area of concern and removed an additional tooth. This was extremely helpful since my dad is on blood thinners and we really wanted to avoid having to make two trips. Very clean office as well. Will recommend everyone we know to the practice.

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless was wonderful, kind, professional, and really made me feel comfortable. He is the kind of man you would want as your regular dentist for not only yourself, but for also your family, neighbors, former roommates twice removed (you get the picture lol). I was completely and utterly scared when I went in and he and the staff helped ease my fears. I didn’t feel anything, he worked quickly, and I left feeling really confident in his work. I hope I never need oral surgery again but if I do, I’m going to [him], hands down. I would absolutely recommend [him] to anyone. 🙂

Jenny C.
Happy Patient

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St. Louis Office

Washington Office

St. Louis Office

Office: (314) 328-5995

Address:
16 Hampton Village

Plaza Suite #200

St. Louis, MO 63109

Washington Office

Office: (636)-239-5959

Fax: (314) 328-5996

Address:
551 E 5th Street

Washington, MO 63090

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