After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Bleeding after multiple extractions is not unusual. If you are wearing a new immediate denture, and notice a small amount of blood mixed with saliva coming from the edge of the denture, this should not cause alarm. If, however, the bleeding is not decreasing, if it persists for more than two hours, or if there is a larger volume of undiluted blood coming from the surgery sites, you’ll need to remove the denture until the bleeding can be brought under control. This can be done by folding gauze and placing it directly over the bleeding site and holding firm pressure on it for at least 30 minutes uninterrupted. If this is unsuccessful after 2 or 3 attempts, a tea bag can be substituted for the gauze – the tannic acid in tea can help promote blood clot formation. Also, while addressing bleeding issues it’s best to avoid exercise, elevate your head, and avoid eating and drinking. If bleeding cannot be controlled by the above measures, call the office for further instructions, or in some cases we will ask you to return to the office for further treatment.

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 24 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake, but allow 5 minutes of rest every half hour to prevent cold injury.

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-3 tablets every 4-6 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 your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

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 (one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water) every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical area.  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, 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:

• The area operated on will swell reaching a maximum in two days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye 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 24 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 a fever 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.