AFTER THE REMOVAL OF MULTIPLE TEETH

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 45-60 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 45-60 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.

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply the ice for 30-40 minutes of each hour as much as possible while you are awake for the first 36 hours. After 36 hours, there is no proven clinical benefit of ice packs, but if the ice helps relieve discomfort, it can be used for 4-5 days after surgery.

For mild to moderate discomfort, Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg may also be taken 3 tablets every 6 hours. If you have kidney problems, please consult with your surgeon before taking Ibuprofen or Motrin for pain relief after surgery.

For severe pain, research suggests that the most effective regimen is alternating Tylenol and Motrin. In certain circumstances, the surgeon may prescribe an optional pain medicine if the above regimen is ineffective for treating pain. 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.

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.

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 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 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 beginning4-5 days 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 of the throat muscles can cause pain. This is normal and should subside in 2-3 days. If this does not subside or you have difficulty swallowing your saliva, call our office immediately as this may be a sign of a serious infection that can eventually affect your ability to breathe.
• 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 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.

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