Multiple Extractions

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, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. Keep calm, avoid exercise, avoid talking and elevate your head. Hold on ice packs for swelling when bleeding is a concern.  If bleeding persists, call our office. If you have a denture, do not remove the denture. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Use Ice Packs

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 24 hours only. Do not leave the ice in place continuously.  Apply the ice in 20-minute intervals.  Twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off.  After 24 hours, you may use moist heat except for cases of infection.

Discomfort and Pain

For mild discomfort use over-the-counter analgesics.

For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside after the first several days or increases after 3-4 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Drink Fluids

Drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid.

Do Not Rinse Your Mouth

Do not rinse your mouth while there is bleeding. Gently use a warm saltwater rinse 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.).

Restrict Your Diet

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.  Please avoid nuts, chips, seeds, and popcorn.

Conditions That May Occur

If you have been delivered a denture at the time of surgery, you should wear the denture without removing it for the first 48 hours.  After the first 48 hours, always remove the denture at night and while napping from this point forward.

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 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 24 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 24 hours only). Do not apply heat in situations involving infection.
• 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.
• 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 following surgery. It is a normal inflammatory response following surgery and is not always an indication of infection. If the temperature persists, notify our office.

If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-72 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.