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, bite on a moistened  tea bag for thirty minutes. 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.

Moderate swelling is normal and peaks in 2-3 days then gradually goes down in the next 5-7 days. Mild skin bruising may accompany the swelling. Difficulty in swallowing and inability to open up the mouth widely occurs commonly after surgery secondary to the swelling of the tissues in the area. Chewing soft foods and moving your jaw helps this to gradually improve as the swelling and discomfort go away. Place an ice pack over the area nearest the surgery for 30 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours then discontinue the ice packs.

Although you may have been prescribed Tylenol #3, which has codeine in it, many people do very well with non-narcotic medications, specifically plain Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Below is the suggested dosing for the first 24-36 hours after your procedure.:

Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 600 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain.

Plain Tylenol, 2 tablets (1000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.

Please note, you can take these together. For example, before the numbness wears off take 600 mg of Ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol together. Then 4 hours later you can take 2 more plain Tylenol. Six hours after the first dose you can take 600 mg of Ibuprofen. So after the first doses together the medications would be staggered. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call our office at Schererville Office Phone Number 219-864-1133.

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction, then please call our office.

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.

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. (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 3-4 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 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 quicker. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as 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.