After the Removal of Multiple Teeth
Home Instructions After the Removal of Multiple Teeth
A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation to remove multiple teeth. If bleeding occurs, place gauze directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag (Lipton, Luizianne) for thirty minutes, the tannic acid in the black tea helps to form a clot. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove the immediate denture unless instructed to do so. 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 36 hours only.
For mild discomfort use the prescribed ibuprofen and over the counter Tylenol.
For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription.
You will need to eat soft food, room temperature food the day of surgery and drink plenty of fluids. You can resume a normal diet we you are ready.
After the first day, use warm salt water rinses (One teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water) 3-4 times a day following meals to keep the area clean. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day. If you leave the denture out for a extended period of time you might not be able to put it back in due to swelling.
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 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).
- 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.