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. You will notice an increase in saliva as your mouth adjusts to the denture.

Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the bodys normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Two baggies filled with ice covered with cloth, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for 24 hours: apply ice 20 to 30 minutes at a time then 20 to 30 minutes off while awake, alternating sides. After 24-48 hours, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face may be beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling.

Pain

The local anesthesia administered during your surgery may last up to 12 hours but it is important to start your pain medicine right away. If you were given a prescription for Motrin (ibuprofen), take it as prescribed, on a regular schedule starting as soon as you are taking oral nutrition. For more severe pain, and you have if you have no medical contraindication or allergy, you may alternate Tylenol (acetaminophen) with the ibuprofen every four hours, or as prescribed (take the ibuprofen, then the acetaminophen two hours later and so on). If you were given another prescription pain medication, take it as directed. Some prescribed pain medicine may make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Good hydration will make you feel better and speed your recovery. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first 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.

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.

Other Complications

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 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, 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 temperature continues, notify our office.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

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.