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. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise and elevate the head.

Bleeding

If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. 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 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
  • For mild discomfort take two tablets every 3-4 hours of aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication, or 2-3 tablets of 200mg Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 3-4 hours.
  • For severe pain use the prescription drug(s) prescribed 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, and there will be a tendency to not want to drink, so it is important to force yourself to drink. 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, to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area, use a warm salt water rinse every 4 hours and after meals. (One half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, remove the denture and rinse it 3 to 4 times a day.

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

Additional Post Operative Notes

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:

  • There will be swelling in the area operated, which will reach maximum swelling 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 continuously for as long as can be tolerated beginning 36 hours after surgery. (Remember that ice packs are to be used for the first 36 hours only).
  • A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites and 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 elevated temperature continues, notify our office.

If dentures have been inserted immediately after the operation, 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.