After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Bleeding

Some bleeding is expected following the surgical removal of several teeth. You will likely leave the office biting on gauze that has been placed over the extraction sites to hold pressure an assist with clot formation. You should bite on this gauze for 20-30 minutes at a time holding firm pressure and swallowing your saliva (allowing your saliva to pool will only prolong bleeding). When changing the gauze at 20-30 minute intervals, it is normal to note blood on the gauze and once you reach the point where there is more white then red on the gauze, you may likely discontinue use. If this persists beyond a reasonable time period (2-3 hours) you may consider biting on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes. If you should have questions or concerns regarding the amount of bleeding, please feel free to call the office. If you have just had an immediate denture placed, it is normal to expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Swelling

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.

Pain Relief

It is normal for post-operative pain to increase in the first 1-2 days along with swelling which usually peaks at about 48 hours. It is also normal in the case where four third molars have been removed for some sites to hurt more than others. It is important to stay ahead of this pain and swelling by following the pain medication recommendations provided by your treating surgeon. In general, healthy teenagers or adults with no medical contraindications can manage pain by taking 600mg of ibuprofen every six hours and either one extra strength or two regular strength Tylenol every six hours. This will diminish the need to take narcotic pain prescription medication. If you pain is not managed with the above regimen, the prescription narcotic may be substituted in for the Tylenol – at no time should the prescription narcotic be taken with Tylenol. If you are taking the narcotic medication, it is important that you do not drive or operate heavy machinery. If pain or swelling persist without improvement, it may be necessary to call the office and be seen for evaluation.

Hydration

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.

Oral Hygiene

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.

Diet

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.

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.