After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Home Instructions After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

BLEEDING

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound 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 continues profusely, please call for further instructions.

For immediate denture patients: Do not remove the immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

SWELLING

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 – 48 hours.

Please call immediately if swelling of the neck occurs.

PAIN

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you get home/before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. 

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Alternatively, 2-3 tablets of over the counter Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 200 mg may be taken four times daily instead of Tylenol, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. 

Do NOT take Tylenol and Ibuprofen together, but you may alternate between the two every 3-4 hours if needed. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. 

Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. 

ANTIBIOTICS

Only if prescribed: be sure to take your antibiotics as directed on the bottle to help prevent infection.

DIET

Drink plenty of fluids (at least six glasses of liquid the first day).

Soft, cool foods (ice cream, yogurt, pudding) and liquids can be eaten on the day of surgery.

Avoid hot liquids or food for the first 24 hours.

Avoid small seeds, chips, and nuts for 3-4 weeks.

As the wounds heal, you will be able to resume your normal diet, unless otherwise directed. 

ORAL HYGIENE

Avoid rinsing, spitting, use of a straw, or touching the wound on the day of surgery and 2 days after.

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Continue to gently brush your teeth around the surgical site. Starting 2 days after surgery, we recommend starting a mouth rinse.

Gently swish a warm salt water rinse (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 

for 1 minute and spit out. Repeat at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals.

Continue rinsing with salt water 4-5 times a day for two weeks.

OR

If prescribed Peridex, start using 2 days after surgery, twice daily; after breakfast 

and before bed. Gently rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit out. 

Salt water rinses can be used in between doses, after meals to flush food residue.

Continue rinsing with Peridex twice a day for two weeks.

WEARING YOUR PROSTHESIS

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, should not be used immediately after surgery for at least 10 days, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation.

After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.

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.

***If you need to reach our office regarding any issues, questions, or concerns, please call us at (716) 276-0909***