After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Some bleeding is expected following surgery. To control bleeding, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding areas and apply firm pressure for 30 minutes. Change the gauze every 30 minutes while bleeding continues and discontinue once the red area on the discarded gauze is less than the white area (site is now oozing, not bleeding). If bleeding continues beyond three hours, a moist tea bag can be used to bite on for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head while you are bleeding. If the used gauze is red from one end to the other after three hours of changing gauze or if at any time your mouth is filling up with blood, call our office immediately. Do not remove immediate dentures 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. Apply ice intermittenly, on for 30 minutes, off for 30 minutes while you are awake.

For mild discomfort use aspirin (as directed on package), acetaminophen (Tylenol): two tablets every 4 hours or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 200mg can be taken 2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed the recommended total daily maximum on the bottle.

For severe pain use the prescription given to you. While taking prescription pain medication you should not drive, go to work/school or drink alcohol. If the pain increases after 3 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription even if you are feeling better.

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, you should remove your denture to rinse 3 to 4 times a day.

Restrict your diet to liquids and easy-to-eat soft foods. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance to your regular diet. Until you resume a normal diet, supplement your diet with nutritious protein drinks like Ensure, Muscle Milk, etc.

  • 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 surrounding the surgery 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 the discoloration to dissipate. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 36 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 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.