After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the surgery. Place a gauze pad directly over the surgical area and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If an immediate denture is placed, do not remove it. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists or becomes severe, call our office immediately.

Swelling

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice by placing it on for 30 minutes and then remove 30 minutes. This can be done continuously for the first 36 hours.

Pain/Antibiotics

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-3 tablets every 3-4 hours. For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 3-4 days, or increases after 4 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription.

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours. After the first day, use a warm salt-water rinse (one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water) every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. After you have seen your dentist for a denture adjustment, follow their instructions on the care of your denture and gums.

Diet

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the areas heal, you will be able to increase your diet. Drink plenty of fluids. If several teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day.

Other Complications

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 will swell reaching a maximum 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 tolerable beginning 36 hours after surgery (remember, ice packs are used for the first 36 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.
• 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.
• Occasionally, patients may feel small, sharp bone fragments in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots. They are the bony walls, which supported the tooth. These projections usually come out by themselves, however, if they do not, they can be removed by Dr. Bennett.

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 follow up with your dentist may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.