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. Elevate your head, and avoid hot liquids and food, as well as exercise, as this may increase bleeding. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove 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 2 hours continuously while you are awake.
For moderate pain, you may take 2-4 tablets (200mg per tablet) of over-the-counter Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 4-6 hours. Alternatively, you can take 1-2 tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3-4 hours. Do not mix over-the-counter tylenol with prescription pain medication, as many prescription pain medications often contain acetaminophen (Tylenol).
For severe pain use the prescribed pain medication as directed. 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, continue the antibiotics until you have finished the medication.
Drink plenty of fluids, 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 half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.
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.
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:
- Swelling around the surgical site, which may increase for 2-3 days following surgery. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. Ice applied to the affected area for 2 hours after surgery may help minimize the swelling.
- A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites, and swelling into these 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 temperature continues, 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 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.
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