In order to alleviate your distress, your tooth has been left open for drainage. Follow these instructions until your next appointment:
1. Irrigate your tooth as instructed with warm salt water for five minutes after every meal or snack (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Place the warm water in the affected area, hold it there until it cools, then rinse out. A small piece of cotton may have been placed in your tooth. If it falls out,it may be replaced with a fresh piece provided for you.
2. Avoid blocking the open tooth with food by cautiously eating on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid eating foods that may contain small seeds in it that may get caught in the tooth. To prevent any accidental food blockage, continuously and gently rinse after meals or snacks with warm salt water.
3. Avoid using objects (such as toothpicks) to remove debris within the tooth. Gentle and continuous warm salt water rinses are often all that are needed for removal of debris.
4. If medication(s) have been prescribed, use according to directions.
5. Notify this office in the event of any significant swelling, pain, or problems from the prescribed medication(s).