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 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. 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 48 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.

For mild to moderate pain, one or two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol) may be taken every 4 to 6 hours. Two to four (200 mg) tablets of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every 6 to 8 hours.

For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Surgical pain and discomfort will generally start to subside 3 to 5 days from your surgery.

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription.

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.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours, or while there is active bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt-water rinse every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. A salt-water rinse consists of one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. After you have seen your dentist for a denture adjustment, take out your 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 2-3days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration more quickly. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 72 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 48 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 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. There may be a slight elevation of your temperature for 24-48 hours.

If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots (ulcerations) will develop under the new denture. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve these areas.