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 the bleeding continues, a moist tea bag may be used for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids and exercise while remembering to keep your head elevated. If the bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove your immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. You may expect some oozing around the side of the denture.
Use ice packs (externally) on the area nearest the extraction site. During waking hours, continually apply ice to the affected area. Do no apply ice after 36 hours.
For mild discomfort, use aspirin, Tylenol, or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. 2-3 tablets of 200mg Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can be taken every 3-4 hours.
For severe pain, use the prescription given to you by your provider. If the pain does not begin to subside within two days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your entire prescription regardless of your symptoms.
Drink plenty of fluids. If multiple teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time will need to be regenerated. Drinking at least six glasses of liquid the first day will aid this process.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first day following your surgery or if there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 4 hours following meals to flush out particles of food that may become lodged in the affected area. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. After you have seen your dentist for a denture adjustment, be sure to remove and rinse the denture 3-4 times a day.
Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.
The removal of multiple 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 normal conditions may occur:
The surgical site will swell for a maximum of two days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may also occur. Apply a moist warm towel to help reduce the discoloration more quickly. The towel should be applied continuously, for as long as tolerable, beginning 36 hours after the surgery. Remember that ice packs should only be used during the first 36 hours following surgery.
- You may develop a sore throat. The muscles of the throat are located near the extraction sites. Swelling that extends into the throat muscles may result in pain. This is normal and should subside in 2-3 days.
- If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may become dry and cracked. Keep your lips moist with an ointment such as Vaseline. There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If the temperature continues beyond this point, please notify our office.
Sore spots may develop if immediate dentures have been placed. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores that will prolong the healing process.