After 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 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 45 minutes. Avoidance of hot liquids, exercise, and laying with the head down can assist control of bleeding. 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 ice for the first 24 hours only, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
For pain, use the prescription given to you. The pain will often be slightly worse on the second day after surgery, then begin to decrease daily from that time. 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 (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) every four hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. You may remove your denture briefly to clean it, but it must be replaced in less than five minutes. If it is removed for a longer period, tissue swelling may occur and impede your ability to wear your denture during the healing period. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse three to four times a day.
Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that 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 may occur (all of which are considered normal):
The area operated on will swell, usually reaching a maximum on the third day. Swelling and discoloration around the eyes, face, or neck may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 24 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 two to three days.
During surgery, your lips and corners of the mouth may become chapped. 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 the 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. Expect to have two to three adjustment appointments with immediate dentures. Failure to have adjustments may result in severe denture sores, which could prolong the healing process.