After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a folded gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be placed on the gauze for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and lying flat. If bleeding persists, call our office. Do not remove immediate dentures unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the sides of the denture.

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice intermittently for the first 48 hours while awake.

For mild discomfort, two tablets of Tylenol or similar medications may be taken every four to six hours. Alternatively, two to three tablets of 200mg Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be taken every four to six hours if you have no contraindications for this medication.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in two to three days, or increases after two days, please call the office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt-water rinse every four 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 of lukewarm water). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture to rinse it three to four 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.

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 three days. Swelling and discoloration below the eye may occur.
• 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 the 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 have adjustments made may result in more severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.