Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a moistened (tap water) 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. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove your immediate dentures unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.

For mild discomfort please use over the counter ibuprofen as directed.

For severe discomfort, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in two days, or increases after two days, please call the office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Drink plenty of fluids. If multiple teeth have been extracted, oozing may continue for a few days. Drink at least six glasses of water per day for the first 3-4 days.

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 every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water). For denture patients: after you have seen your dentist for a denture adjustment (which should occur within 48 hours of surgery), take out your denture and rinse three to four times a day.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.

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 surgical site will swell, reaching its maximum in 3-4 days. Swelling and discoloration around the neck, jaw, and eyes may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration. The warm towel should be applied for 30 to 45 minutes a night beginning 48 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 24 hours only).
• If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Keep this area along with your lips moistened  with a lip moisturizer.

If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots will likely develop within a few days. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 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.