After the Extraction of Multiple Teeth

Post Op Instructions

Bleeding

A small to moderate amount of bleeding is to be expected following this type of 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 dentures unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture, and the taste of blood with blood-tinged saliva is normal for several days after surgery. Actively bleeding surgical sites that pool up in your mouth, is not normal and you should attempt to stop the bleeding with gauze and biting pressure, and you can always feel free to call our office if you feel you have questions or need help.

Icing

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 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, only while you are awake.

Pain

For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Oral Hygiene

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 4 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 and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.

Fluids & Diet

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.

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.

We're Here to Help!

Call us with any questions or or to book an appointment. It's our Oral Surgery team's #1 priority to give you a comfortable experience. We look forward to taking care of you!

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Removing Multiple Teeth

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, mouth, or neck 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 most beneficial 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.
  • If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out, discolor, 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 the temperature continues to rise, or reaches greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, notify our office.

If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots are likely to 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. It is also possible that there will be spicules of bone that are sharp and cause sores under the denture. When this happens a small procedure with local anesthetic can be accomplished in our office to smooth the bone and relieve your discomfort.