After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

You can expect a small amount of bleeding following your 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. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove any immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

  • Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of your face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
  • For mild discomfort, use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication, taking two tablets every 3-4 hours. Two to three tablets of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken every 3-4 hours.
  • For severe pain, use the prescription provided. If the pain doesn’t begin to subside in two days, or if your pain increases after two days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription, regardless of your symptoms.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. If several 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 saltwater rinse every four hours, and again following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (Saltwater rinse: One half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you’ve seen Dr. Funderburk for denture adjustment, take your denture out and rinse three to four times a day.
  • Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As your wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.

The removal of several 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 area operated on will swell, reaching maximum swelling in two days. Swelling and discoloration around your eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate this 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).
  • You may develop a sore throat. The muscles of your throat are near the extraction sites. Swelling into the throat muscles can cause pain. This is normal and should subside in two to three 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. You may experience a slight elevation of body temperature for 24-48 hours. If temperature continues, notify our office.
  • If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. If this occurs, Dr. Funderburk will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve your sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong your healing process.