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 sockets and apply biting pressure for 60 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag, wrapped in gauze,can be used for 60 minutes. 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 first24 hours only. Apply iceintermittently (20 minutes off and 20 minutes on) while you are awake.

For mild discomfort, over the counter pain medication may be adequate. Do not take these if you are allergic or if you are taking other medications which could interact with them.Call the office if you are unsure.

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 for maximum effect.

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.

If you have a denture in place, you may remove it and rinse gently. Replace the denture within a few minutes or you may not be able to reinsert it. After the first day, use ahot salt water rinse every 4-6 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 ofhot water). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinseseveral 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 to threedays. Swelling and discoloration around the eye and down the neckmay 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 beginning24 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first24 hours only).
  • 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, 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.