Multiple Extractions

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

After the procedure, 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, and elevate your head. Do not use ice packs for swelling when bleeding is a concern. If bleeding persists, call our office. If you have a denture, do not remove the denture. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Use Ice Packs

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.

Discomfort and Pain

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, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Drink Fluids

Drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid.

Do Not Rinse Your Mouth

Do not rinse your mouth while there is bleeding.

If there is no bleeding, gently rinse with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon in a glass of lukewarm water) after meals to flush particles of food that may lodge in the area of the extraction.

Restrict Your Diet

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable to eat. As the wounds heal, you can begin to eat your usual diet. Please avoid nuts, chips, seeds, and popcorn.

Conditions That May Occur

If you have been delivered a denture at the time of surgery, wear the denture without removing it for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, remove the denture at night and while napping from this point forward.

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:

• 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 quicker. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable. Do not 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. This is normal and should subside.
• If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips can 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 is not usually an indication of infection. If the temperature persists, notify our office.
• If 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.