Multiple Extractions

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

After the removal of multiple teeth, a small amount of bleeding is to be expected. If this happens, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. Keep calm, avoid exercise, avoid talking, elevate your head, and use ice packs on the cheek near the surgical site for swelling. If you have a denture, do not remove the denture. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture. If bleeding persists, call our office.

Use ice packs on the face on the same side as the area of the extraction. Apply ice for the first 24 hours in 20-minute intervals — 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. Do not leave the ice in place continuously. After 24 hours, you may use moist heat unless you are being treated for an infection.

Diet

For mild discomfort, use over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside after the first several days or increases after three to four days, call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse your mouth while there is bleeding. After meals, gently rinse with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water) to flush out particles of food that may lodge in the area of the extraction.

Denture

If you have been given a denture at the time of surgery, wear it continuously for the first 48 hours — do not remove it. After the first 48 hours, you can then remove the denture at night and while napping.

Things to Watch For

Having many teeth removed at one time is quite different from 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 and discoloration around the eye may occur, and swelling will reach its maximum in two days. After the first 24 hours (when ice is used), apply a moist, warm towel to help reduce the discoloration faster. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable. Do use heat if you are being treated for an infection.
• A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites, and swelling into the throat muscles can cause pain. It is normal and should subside.
• 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 following surgery. This is a normal inflammatory response after surgery and not usually an indication of infection. If the temperature persists, call our office.
• If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-72 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots. Without these adjustments, severe denture sores can develop, which can prolong the healing process.