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

What can I say? No one likes to visit the dentist…especially for anything other than having their teeth cleaned. I am no different. Hated that I had to have a tooth taken out but it was necessary. I was referred here by my dentist to see Dr. Loveless. If I ever have to have anything else done from an oral surgeon, I would never wish to see anyone else. Dr. Loveless and his staff not only made me feel less anxious but they were super nice and made sure that I knew everything that was being done. I would refer them to anyone with complete confidence! If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. I want to tell them all thank you for making this process much easier on me. Just an amazing staff and surgeon!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless did an amazing job. I needed a wisdom tooth extracted that had a large cavity. He got it out whole in less than 1 minute. He is great. His staff is wonderful too. My whole experience was great. I will refer anyone that needs an oral surgeon!

Pamela W.
Happy Patient

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

Dr. Loveless and his team were amazing! I was a new patient and called to see if I could get in right away to remove a wisdom tooth. It was an emergency, and they got me in within the hour!! The staff through out my whole experience, from the front desk to the dental assistants, were GREAT!!!! The office was fresh and clean. I highly recommend Dr. Loveless if you’re looking for an oral surgeon.

Raegan M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Excellent oral surgeon. I had to have my wisdom teeth removed and was terrified. The staff at Archway were very professional and took care of me. Painless proceedure and I was in and out in a hour. highly recommended thank you very much!

Patrick H.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

The Staff was very helpful, Chrissy made my visit wonderful, she made me feel at ease and helped me to not be apprehensive. Dr. Loveless did a great job of extracting my tooth. I would highly recommend him and his staff.

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless,

Thank you for making my tooth extraction so quick and easy. I was expecting a lot of pain. Haven’t experienced any residual pain, either since I woke up the following morning. You should hang a shingle stating “painless Dentist”!! Also, your staff is so kind and attentive. I would definitely come back when needed, and recommend you to anyone in need. Though I don’t wish that pre-surgery pain on any person (or animal) for that matter!

 

5 of 5 stars of 811

“…we were happy to find somoeone that was caring…we will never forget the care and concern you showed to our mother”

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

Dr. Loveless and the rest of his team was great! They made the whole experience very enjoyable. I was really nervous before going into my surgery and the team was very friendly and made me feel at ease. I will definitely recommend friends and family to Dr Loveless. He has a great bedside manner and, is very professional. I know ive found an awesome oral surgeon.

Angie B.
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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