After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery- this typically lasts for a few hours and is variable from person to person. You will be provided with gauze and instructions on how to use them to control and stop bleeding from the extraction sockets. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon for the first day. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat as necessary. You can expect that during the first day, the gauze you are biting down on will come out with some pink discoloration of blood stamping on it even after your bleeding has stopped. It can be helpful to look in a mirror with a flashlight to determine if there is still bleeding coming from the extraction sites.

If bleeding continues despite several sets of gauze, bite on a moistened black tea bag placed over a gauze pad for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the black tea helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. To minimize further bleeding avoid exercise. If bleeding does not subside, call our office for further instructions.

Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical site. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice as often as tolerated while you are awake.

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol, or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Two to three tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken every 3-4 hours.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside after 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction..

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. (One teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse 3 to 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. The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:

• The area operated on will swell, reaching a maximum in two to three 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.