Please be aware, the information on this page relates to Luton & Dunstable University Hospital

Exposure or Removal of Buried Teeth, Post-Operative Care Advice

Information for patients

This information sheet answers common questions about care after having procedure to expose or remove buried teeth. If you would like further information, or have any particular worries, please do not hesitate to ask your surgeon.

In all cases, the surgeon will explain the instructions verbally to you and answer any questions you may have during the appointment.

Will I be in pain?

  • Pain is expected after extraction(s), once the effect local anaesthetic has worn off.
  • The effect of the local anaesthetic may last anywhere between 90 minutes to 4 hours
  • Pain usually tends to worsen on the second or third day after surgery and improves thereafter.

Recommendation:

  • Regular over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen are suitable for pain relief, if  there are no known allergies.
  • Do not bite the lip, inside of the cheek or tongue when you are still numb as it may cause damage to the structures.

Will I have swelling or bruising?

  • It is normal to develop swelling and bruising after surgery.
  • Swelling may increase on the second or third day after surgery and resolves in about 7-10 days’ time.
  • Bruising can occasionally occur in some patients which tends to last longer than the swelling, although this is completely harmless.

Recommendation:

  • Ice-packs may be used over the surgery site in the first 24-48 hours to reduce the amount of swelling and bruising.
  • Keep your head elevated using multiple pillows to reduce swelling.

Will I have bleeding?

  • The wound is checked for bleeding before discharge by your surgical team.
  • However, minimal bleeding or oozing is expected in the first 24 hours of the surgery which usually does not require attention.
  • Some blood stains on the dressing, clothes and bed linen when you sleep my be expected.
  • Some medications may increase the risk of bleeding and require precautions- please discuss this with the surgeon.

Recommendation:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise or activity and any heavy lifting for at least 72 hours.
  • Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours.
  • If bleeding is continuous or heavy, apply firm continuous pressure on the side of bleeding using the provided clean damp gauze for at least 15 minutes.
  • If the bleeding continues, apply pressure for further 15 minutes.
  • Contact the emergency numbers given at the end of this leaflet if bleeding continues in spite of the above measures.

How do I care for the surgery site or stitches?

  • Your surgeon will advise you if you have received any stitches, which usually dissolve in about 7-14 days’ time. Although some stitches may stay longer than normal.
  • On occasions, special dressing to reduce bleeding is placed in the socket which will dissolve at the same time as your stitches.
  • Extra care is required if you are diabetic or immunocompromised due to your health or medications you take regularly.
  • Additionally you may have a gold chain stuck to the buried tooth, the other end of which is attached to your existing braces or inside of the lip with some stitches. This should remain in place until you have been seen by the orthodontist.

Recommendation:

  • Avoid eating hard or chewy food for the first 24-48 hours. A soft diet is recommended during this duration.
  • Avoid consuming hot food or drinks on the day of surgery to avoid burning yourself when you are numb.
  • Maintain strict oral hygiene by regular tooth brushing and use of mouthwash. Extra care should be taken to clean the exposed tooth area to reduce the risk of the re-closure which may require another surgical procedure.
  • On the day following surgery, use the prepared warm salty mouthwash to rinse your mouth at least 3-4 times a day after every meal for 10 days.
  • Salty mouthwash may be prepared by adding and mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water (25oml)
  • Alternatively, you may use a gentle mouthwash that you regularly use at home if it is more convenient.
  • Avoid scratching or traumatising the surgical site especially if there is a gold chain in place as it may disturb or displace the chain or cause bleeding.
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours to prevent complications including pain, delayed healing and infection.

Will I get an infection?

  • In general, all surgeries can lead to infection, although the risk is low.
  • The risk of infection increases with poor oral hygiene, diabetes, immunosuppression, smoking/vaping, certain medications and poor wound care.
  • The common features of infection may include redness of the gums, increased pain, swelling, discharge, fever and feeling generally unwell.

Recommendation:

  • Please strictly follow all the aftercare advice outlined above.
  • If signs of infection are noted, please contact the emergency numbers given at the end of this leaflet or the GDP/GP. You may require a course of antibiotics to treat the infection.

Will I need any time off work or school?

  • This is entirely left to the patient’s discretion and is dependent on your profession and complexity of the surgery.
  • Longer recovery period is required if you have had the procedure under general anaesthesia.

Recommendation:

  • We do not recommend that you go back to work or school on the day of surgery.

Will I need more treatment?

  • Once the surgical treatment is completed, please ensure that you have arranged an appointment time with the orthodontist for further treatment.
  • Your orthodontist will discuss further steps which may be required to continue the orthodontic treatment.

Recommendation:

  • Please attend all follow-up appointments as advised to prevent discontinuity of care.

Emergency contact numbers

Monday to Friday- 9am to 5pm – 01582 718062

Monday to Friday- 5pm to 9am and during weekends – Please phone the main hospital switchboard on 01582 491166 and ask for On-call Oral and Maxillofacial doctor.

Online Resources

Exposure of impacted canine – BAOMS:

https://www.baoms.org.uk/patients/procedures/20/exposure_of_impacted_canine

Impacted canines – BOS:

https://www.bos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/British-Orthodontic-Society-ImpactedCanninesJune2019.pdf