After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Home Instructions After the Removal of Multiple Teeth/placement of a denture

Bleeding  

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 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag 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. Do not remove the immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

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swelling   

Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical site. Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice, on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the 1st 24 hours. Swelling typically peaks around 48 hours after surgery and begins to subside thereafter.

no smoking

Cigarettes and vaping contain carbon monoxide and nicotine which are both toxic to healing. Smoking and vaping will harm the healing process and lead to healing complications.

discomfort 

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol, or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Two to three tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken every 3-4 hours.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside after 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction.

oral care

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). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.

sutures

If any are placed during your surgery, they will dissolve in 3-5 days, If they come out or dissolve early, that is fine. If they are non-dissolvable sutures, we will have you return in 3 weeks unless you are instructed differently.

Diet

Proper dietary intake is important for good healing. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical sites. A high calorie, high protein intake is very important. Hard foods or foods with husks, such as nuts and popcorn, should be avoided for a week as they can become lodged in the surgical site(s). Our staff can provide suggested diet instructions. Drink plenty of fluids. Drink from a glass and do not use straws. The sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. Nourishment should be taken regularly. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. At least 5-6 glasses of liquid should be taken daily. Try not to miss any meals. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat. You can start to progress your diet as tolerated.

HEALING

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. 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 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 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.