After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

What if I am Bleeding?
How Do I Treat My Pain?
Stay Hydrated!
How Do I keep the Area Clean?

What if I am Bleeding?

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket 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 for the first 24 hours.

How Do I Treat My Pain?

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice as often as possible for the first 24 hours only. After this, the use of heat in 20 minute intervals can help with the swelling and discomfort.

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 2 days, or increases after 3 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Stay Hydrated!

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.

How Do I keep the Area Clean?

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 3-5 times a day or 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 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 three days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye and neck may occur. The application of a moist heat will help eliminate the discoloration quicker. The heat should be applied in 20 minute intervals for as long as tolerable beginning at 24 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 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 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 general 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.