After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

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Bleeding

After surgery, a small amount of bleeding is expected. You can also expect some oozing around the side of the denture. If you the extractions sites are bleeding, place a gauze pad directly over the socket, and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, apply a moist tea bag to the surgical site for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids and exercise, and elevate your head. If bleeding still persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove your immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe.

Swelling

While you are awake, continuously apply an ice pack on the same side of your face as the operated area. Use ice packs the first 36 hours only.

The extraction of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of one or two teeth.

  • The surgical sites will swell to their maximum in two days.
  • You might experience swelling and discoloration around your eyes.
  • 36 hours after surgery, continuously apply a moist warm towel to help the discoloration fade sooner. Remember, ice packs are used for the first 36 hours only.

Pain – Below are instructions for mild or severe pain. If pain does not subside in two to three days, or if it increases, call our office.

  • Mild – Every three to four hours, take two aspirin, Tylenol, or any similar medication. As an alternative, every three to four hours, take two to three 200 mg tablets of ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).
  • Severe – Take the pain medication prescribed for you by our oral surgeon

Antibiotics

Finish the prescribed medication unless a rash develops or you experience an adverse reaction. Call our office if you have a reaction to the antibiotics.

Food and Drink

Drink plenty of fluids. If a lot of teeth have been extracted, the blood that was lost needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day. Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable. As healing progresses you will be able to eat chewable food.

Rinsing

Do not rinse your mouth for the first day or while there is bleeding. After the first day, mix a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Rinse with the salt water mixture every four hours. Also, rinse after meals to remove food particles and debris that might lodge in the extraction sites.

After you visit your dentist for denture adjustment, remove and rinse the denture three to four times a day.

Sore throat

Throat muscles are near the extraction sites, so they may swell and cause pain. Swelling should subside in two to three days.

Dry or cracked lips

When your mouth is retracted during surgery, the corners can stretch, become dry, and crack. Keep your lips moist with an ointment like Vaseline.

Low fever

For 24-48 hours after surgery, you may have a low fever. If it persists, notify our office.

Dentures

If you receive immediate dentures after surgery, sore spots may develop. Usually, you’ll have an appointment with your dentist within 24-48 hours after surgery. Your dentist will make adjustments to relieve the soreness. Failure to do can cause severe denture sores that prolong the healing process.