After the Removal of Multiple Teeth
Home Instructions After the Removal of Multiple Teeth
Bleeding is to be expected following the operation to remove multiple teeth. To minimize bleeding place a gauze pad directly over the surgical sites 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.
Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical sites. Apply ice for the first 24 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
For moderate pain, take Ibuprofen 600 mg and one or two tablets of extra strength Tylenol, alternate every three hours. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. Do not take the two medications at the same time.
For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside after 3 days, or increases after 3 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction..
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.
The night of surgery rinse your mouth with warm saline rinses and continue for ten days. Rinse after each meal and before bed. (1/2 teaspoon of salt to a full glass of water) If you received a syringe, start irrigating 3 days after surgery. Irrigate the socket until the surgical site is healed. (1/2 hydrogen peroxide and water)
Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to resume your normal diet.
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 3 days. Swelling and discoloration around the eyes may occur. The application of a moist warm compress will help eliminate the discoloration. The compress should be applied continuously for as long as is 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 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.
