After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of 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 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office. 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 off and on for the first 2 days while you are awake.

For mild discomfort, 400mg Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. Two Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours instead of Ibuprofen, or Aleve can be taken every 8 hours.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. If the pain does not begin to subside in 3 days, or increases after 3 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription unless you develop a rash.

Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration will make you weak and dizzy.

Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical 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 operated on will swell reaching a maximum in two 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 beginning 48 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 48 hours only).
• A sore throat may develop. This is normal and should subside in about one day.
• 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 hours. If elevated temperature continues, notify our office.

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