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 167

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 167

Dr. Loveless is amazing. I will continue to use and refer people to him.

5 of 5 stars of 167

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

5 of 5 stars of 167

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 167

“…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 167

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 167

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 167

“You are an awesome doctor! Also, your assistants were great and made everything so much easier. Thank you for being such a caring doctor.”

5 of 5 stars of 167

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 167

This surgeon is great. ALL his staff is outstanding. Had implant done, basically painless, very interesting procedure. Assistant /hygienist (practically doctor) Emily was great. Highly recommend this office.

Larry 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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