After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Some bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply “biting pressure” for 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 45 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately.

If an immediate denture has been placed, do not remove immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 24 hours only. Apply the ice 20 to 30 minutes on and 20 minutes off as much as possible for the first 24 hours.

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication: two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-4 tablets every 4-6 hours. Note that while Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken along with most of the prescribed pain medications, Tylenol should not be taken with the prescription as most prescription pain medications already include some Tylenol.

For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm saltwater rinse every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.

The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of one or two teeth. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed prior to the insertion of a denture, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:

The area of the operation will swell. It will reach the greatest level of swelling in 2 days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration quicker. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 48 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 24 hours only)

A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites. Swelling into the throat muscles can cause pain. This is normal and should subside in 2-3 days.

If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline. There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If temperature continues, or is above 101 degrees, notify our office.

If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In many cases, your dentist will want to see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots. Failure to relieve the sore spots may result in more severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.

Important Info