After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following any oral surgical procedure.. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 60 minutes.  If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 60 minutes. You may have to do this several times.  If the bleeding continues, as a last resort you may place a moist tea bag in the surgical site and firmly bite down.   There is a chemical in the tea leafs that slows down the bleeding.  Avoid hot liquids, strenuous exercise, and try to elevate the head at night time to reduce swelling and bleeding. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately.

In special circumstances, when we remove all the remaining teeth, you will be provided with an “Immediate Denture” .  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 ice for the first 48 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.

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.

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 peridex mouthwash or 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 (bruising) around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration quicker.
• 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, as the body’s immune system protects the surgical site. If temperature continues to increase and stays above 101.5 for more than one hours, then notify our office.

PLEASE NOTE: With immediate dentures there is almost always the need for further adjustment of the actual denture itself and/or sore spots in the mouth. 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.