After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Home Instructions After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. Place folded gauze pads directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. If you had a denture placed after your extractions, do not remove it the first day unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture. The denture will actually help mold your gums and will protect the sockets.

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or an Extra Strength Tylenol tablet may be taken every four hours or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) two to three 200 mg tablets may be taken every four to six 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. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If many teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is active 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. To make a salt water rinse, mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 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.

Our office will schedule you a follow-up visit in one week to assess your healing. Any sutures (stitches) placed in your mouth that haven’t already dissolved, will be removed.

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 days. Swelling and discoloration around the eyes may occur if upper teeth were removed. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration. 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 two to three 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 the office.
• Occasionally after removal of many teeth, additional bone contouring may need to be done after initial healing. This is because the bone around the sockets is remodeling naturally and sometimes results in a sharp area of bone that would interfere with comfortable use of your denture. Dr. Tom will carefully check your healing progress and determine if minor touch-up work is needed.

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 so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.