After the 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 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 (bright-red nonstop bleeding) persists, call our office immediately. If you have immediate denture placed in, do not remove the immediate denture 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 for the first day or two, ten minutes on and ten minutes off. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.

For mild discomfort you may be suggested to use over-the-counter pain relief as per Dr. Hung.

For severe pain, use the prescriptions given to you. Pain and swelling are most intense during the first 3-4 days after procedure and can last up to about a week. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction, such as rash or hives. If breathing difficulty develops, please call 911 right away and notify our 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 use straw as blood clots may fall out of socket and cause “dry-socket” which can be very painful.

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 two to three times a day 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). If you have immediate denture placement, take out the denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day after seeing your dentist for adjustment. Let the water fall out from your mouth, do not spit or gargle forcefully.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft blend food that are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to resume your normal diet, normally one to two weeks after, depending on the case.

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).
small pieces of bone splinters might work their way out in the following weeks, or hard ridges may result around the extraction site. More than often this is only temporary and will resolve by itself. Notify your doctor at the follow up visit.
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 restorative dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery to make the necessary adjustments and relieve those sore spots. Please coordinate with your restorative dentist to ensure that you are seen in a timely manner soon after the extractions.