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 to remove multiple teeth. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 60 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a black tea bag moistened with warm water for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the black tea helps to form a clot by contracting blood vessels. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. If you were given an immediate denture, do not remove it unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical site. Apply ice on a 20 minutes on 20 minutes off schedule for the first 24 hours only.

For moderate pain, you can take 400mg of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 4x a day if you have no kidney dysfunction or stomach ulcers (DO NOT EXCEED 600MG EVERY 6 HOURS). You may also take 1000mg of Tylenol 3x a day if you have no liver dysfunction (DO NOT EXCEED 4000MG A DAY). Take the Ibuprofen and Tylenol whether you are experiencing pain or not for the first 48 hours following your surgery. This will help reduce the inflammation that is present or may become present. Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be taken in an alternating fashion for the most effective treatment of post operative pain. Consult our practice for individuals under 18.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. 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.

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 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water). You will also be given an antibiotic mouth rinse (Peridex or Chlorhexadine) that should be started in the evening the day after your surgery. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day. It is also important you do not sleep with your denture or partial in your mouth after seeing your dentist or denturist.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to resume your normal diet.

The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different from the extraction of just 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. After 72 hours, the application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as is tolerable, beginning 72 hours after surgery. (Remember: ice packs are used for the first 24 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 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 your temperature continues to rise, 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 to make the necessary adjustments and relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.