After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Home Instructions After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation to remove multiple teeth. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the black tea helps to form a clot by contracting blood vessels. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. If an immediate denture was provided, do not remove the immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.  If a denture is in place after extractions, bite on gauze as described above and digital pressure can be applied with gauze as well.

Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical site. Apply the ice in intervals for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for the first 24 hours.

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol, or any similar medication; two tablets every 4-6 hours. Two to three tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken every 4-6 hours unless contraindicated.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside after 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction..

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.

You may gently rinse your mouth the evening after surgery and if a denture was provided, it can be removed temporarily to clean and to rinse. Use a warm salt water rinse (saline) two to three times per day or following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water). If you were provided an immediate denture, it should be worn continuously (remove briefly for cleaning and oral rinse) for the first 48 hours after surgery.  The denture should then be removed every night and worn during the day starting on the third day after surgery. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse two to three 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 resume your normal diet.

The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different from the extraction of just 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 three days. Swelling and discoloration around the eyes and jaw line may occur. The application of a warm compress (heated towel) will help eliminate the discoloration. The warm compress should be applied twice daily for thirty minutes beginning 36 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 3-5 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 your temperature continues to rise, notify our office.

If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 48-72 hours after surgery to make the necessary adjustments and relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.