After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Promoting Healing, Protecting Your Smile

Now that your impacted tooth has been exposed, your path to a healthier, more functional smile has begun. These post-operative guidelines are your tools for navigating the healing process. By managing discomfort, keeping the surgical site clean, and following our recommendations closely, you’ll support your body’s natural healing abilities and move closer to your oral health goals.

Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure

After Impacted tooth exposure, do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The packing helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed but please contact our office for instructions.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice bag or a plastic bag filled with ice cubes on your cheek near the area of surgery. Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. Do not take the two medications at the same time.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.

Finally

  • Sutures are placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and to help healing. Sometimes they become dislodged. This is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it. The sutures will be removed approximately one week after surgery. The removal of sutures requires no anesthesia or needles. It takes only a minute or so, and there is usually no discomfort associated with this procedure.
  • The pain and swelling should subside more and more each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens or unusual symptoms occur, call our office for instructions.
  • There will be a void where the tooth was removed. The void will fill in with new tissue gradually over the next month. In the meantime, the area should be kept clean, especially after meals, with salt water rinses or a toothbrush.
  • Every patient’s situation is unique. If you have any concerns, reach out to the experts who know your case best: Drs. Wolf, Mekhail, or Moll, or your family dentist.Retry
  • Brushing your teeth is okay – just be gentle at the surgical sites.
  • A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain near the ear may occur 2-3 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.
  • If you are involved in regular exercise, be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.

Before & After Patient Transformations

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These before-and-after images showcase complex implant rehabilitations, wisdom tooth extractions, and full mouth reconstructions performed by our board-certified surgeons. Each transformation represents restored function, improved oral health, and renewed confidence through specialized surgical care.
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500+

Smiles Restored

20+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.4

Average Rating

350+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

500+

Smiles Restored

20+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.4

Average Rating

350+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

500+

Smiles Restored

20+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.4

Average Rating

350+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

500+

Smiles Restored

20+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.4

Average Rating

350+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

500+

Smiles Restored

20+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.4

Average Rating

350+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

500+

Smiles Restored

20+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.4

Average Rating

350+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

500+

Smiles Restored

20+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.4

Average Rating

350+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

Patient Testimonials

Real Patients Share Their Life-Changing Experiences

Patients consistently describe how our specialized oral surgery care restored their confidence and comfort. With hundreds of 5-star reviews, their transformative stories speak for themselves.
  • We had another great experience at NWOS. Dr. Wolf is always so patient and friendly. We’ve had several family members who have gone to Dr. Wolf. Judy and Tonya were also amazing, compassionate, and helpful. I highly recommend them!
    TSN
    2 weeks ago
  • It was a smooth experience. Following front desk personal accepting me then Dr. Molls and his staff going through my evaluation and scheduling my operation went flawlessly. The staff was very professional and helpful.
    stefan yanef
    3 weeks ago
  • They did an amazing job from start to finish. Keeping me comfortable and at ease. I would definitely recommend this oral surgery location. Everyone was very pleasant and understood my anxieties.
    Patricia Turner
    3 weeks ago
  • This was the best experience any child could have under the circumstances of losing 4 teeth. They were on time, pleasant, hospitable, organized and explained everything. They even called to check up on my little one and answered all my questions. Thank you!
    Lisa Griffiths
    3 weeks ago
  • Very professional staff! I had to get extractions and dentures. I was very nervous and the staff made me very comfortable and were very understanding! Dr Moll and his staff are exceptional!
    Kim Marcelak
    4 weeks ago
  • The staff was very friendly and welcoming. I was there to have a wisdom tooth extracted and they were very patient and dedicated to my comfort making sure it was a completely painless procedure as I do not numb up easily it seems. I highly recommend this facility and its team
    Jeremy S
    1 month ago
  • Wish I could give ten stars!! I had a horrid abscess tooth that broke into my sinuses. I drove and hour and a half to go here. No one where I live, Lafayette Indiana, could get me in. Some places I wouldn’t be able to get in until January! And my own dentist was being a jerk. So my mom recommended Northwest cause they helped my grandma. I had a consult and they fit me in next day. The offices were beautiful, clean, smelled nice and the ladies were exceptional! Very kind and knowledgeable! Dr.Mekhail was beyond fabulous! My face is barely swollen and he had to put me out of this. No bruising either! He was kind and knew his job! Thank you all for being so kind !! Will definitely recommend you!! And they called the next day to see how I was !! Awesome place !!
    Bekah Deuerling
    2 months ago
  • Dr. Moll did an awesome job removing a lip cyst with only local anesthetic. He was quick, thorough, and precise. It was a relatively small area, but I was impressed that I healed rapidly, had a relatively short day or so of significant swelling, and had minimal pain post operatively. Would return again or refer family here. Office staff was also pleasant and helpful.
    Josh Scheidler
    2 months ago

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Discover how our innovative implant solutions have transformed lives through the heartfelt testimonials of our satisfied patients.

Meet the Doctors

Board-certified Surgeons Dedicated to Your Care

Your oral surgery team combines decades of specialized training with a compassionate approach to patient care. You work with experienced professionals who prioritize your comfort and successful outcomes throughout every procedure.

Dr. Paul Wolf

DDS
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Wolf specializes in jaw reconstruction, dental implants, and minimally invasive TMJ therapies while maintaining his commitment to community service.
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Dr. Sherif Mekhail

DDS, MSBS
Dr. Mekhail’s board certification and 13+ years of expertise in full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery. His gentle approach and precision in complex procedures, including orthognathic surgery and dental implants, ensure your comfort throughout treatment.
More About Dr. Mekhail

Dr. William Moll

DDS, MDS
Dr. Moll’s extensive training in office-based anesthesia provides you with comfortable, personalized treatment during complex procedures. He brings expertise in complex zygomatic implant reconstruction and full mouth rehabilitation.
More About Dr. Moll

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Two Convenient Offices Serving Northwest Indiana

Our Schererville office on US Highway 30 and Munster location provide easy access for patients throughout Northwest Indiana including Hammond, Crown Point, Valparaiso, and surrounding communities. Both convenient locations ensure specialized oral surgery care is accessible when you need it most.

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Exposure Site Care

Protect Your Healing Site for Successful Tooth Eruption

Following these specific care instructions ensures your exposed tooth can properly erupt into position as planned. Your attention to healing site protection directly impacts the success of your orthodontic treatment timeline.
  • Maintain proper surgical packing placement
  • Support successful tooth movement
  • Stay on track with orthodontic treatment

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Schererville Office

Schererville, IN 46375

Munster Office

Munster, IN 46321

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