After Multiple extractions
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. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove 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 the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. We recommend you take a combination of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. Recent studies on pain control are indicating that taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) together with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) has more significant post-operative pain relief than taking either drug alone. Also, the ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination has significantly more pain relief than narcotic medications such as codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Norco®, Lortab®), and oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®).
We suggested you take 600mg of ibuprofen and 1000mg of acetaminophen at the same time. If this does not give you adequate pain relief you can alternate the 600mg of Ibuprofen with the prescribed pain medication, eliminating the acetaminophen. All medication should not exceed the recommended dosage. Discomfort should subside daily.
If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.
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.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first postoperative 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 (use 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 very different than the extraction of one or two teeth. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed before the insertion of a denture, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:
The treated area will swell, reaching its maximum within two days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help discoloration go away faster. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 36 hours after surgery (ice packs are used for the first 36 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 during the procedure, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline.
You may experience a very slight fever for 24-48 hours. If the 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.