After Multiple Extractions

Introduction • Before Anesthesia • After Dental Implant Surgery • After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth • After Extractions • After Multiple Extractions

• Some bleeding is to be expected following the removal of several teeth. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, please call our office. Do not remove an immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. If denture is removed, rinse and immediately replace, otherwise you may not be able to wear the denture if the gum tissues swell. 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 2 days. Apply ice continuously for 20 or 30-minute intervals while you are awake.
• For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-3 tablets every 3-4 hours.
• 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 in its entirety, unless you are having problems/reactions with the medicine, in which case you should call the office to get further instructions.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted, the blood (fluids) 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 day, if possible. After the first day, use of warm salt-water rinse is permissible if desired. You may lightly 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.). If you had a denture placed, and after you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, please follow their instructions for care.
• Restrict your diet to liquids and very soft foods for the first three days. 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 or three days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration quicker. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 36 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 2 days 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 fever is greater than 101 you may use Tylenol or aspirin to treat. If it is persistent please 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 see your dentist in the first few days may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process. Immediate dentures should not be removed for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time or you may not be able to wear the dentures if gum tissues swell.