After Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pack directly over just the area where the bleeding is coming from, and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. Make sure the gauze pack is thick enough to provide significant pressure over the bleeding site when biting. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used on the surface of the gauze pack so it contacts the bleeding area. Do not remove an immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the borders of the denture.

To minimize swelling use ice packs on the side of the face where surgery was done. Apply ice for the first 36 hours. You may apply ice continuously.

For mild discomfort use Ibuprofen (Advil; Motrin). 400mg to 600mg can be taken every 4-6 hours. Alternatively, Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol can be used. 650mg to 1000mg can be taken every 4 hours.

For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish please take it as directed until it is finished.

Drink plenty of fluids, but do not use a straw. If it is difficult to chew after several teeth are removed, you may add some nutritional supplements such as Ensure.

Do not rinse your mouth until the day after surgery. After the first day, use warm salt water rinses 4 times per day, especially after meals (half a teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of warm water). If you have an Immediate Denture, don’t take it out until you have seen your dentist for a denture adjustment. You may also begin to brush your teeth, brushing very gently as you approach any areas where extractions or other surgery was done.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods which are comfortable for you to bite and chew. 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:

  • there may be some swelling which usually peaks between 48 and 72 hours after surgery. It is not unusual for some bruising to occur, and it is usually seen a few days after the procedure. At 48 hours after surgery, moist heat applications will help any swelling and/or bruising to resolve more quickly. At this point the swelling has usually peaked and moist heat applications are more effective than ice packs in eliminating swelling.
  • If the corners of the mouth have been stretched, they may become dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline Lip Therapy.

If Immediate Dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery, and make the necessary adjustments to prevent those sore spots from occurring. Failure to reduce the denture acrylic in areas which are “tight” may result in uncomfortable denture sores.