After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Immediately Following Surgery

• Remove the gauze and discard after 1-2 hour time frame.  In order to minimize bleeding, DO NOT drink through a straw, or smoke cigarettes for 24 hours.  Do not disturb the surgical area today. (If bleeding persists, place a moist tea bag on the surgical site for about 45 minutes.)
• If pain medications and/or antibiotics have been prescribed, they should be taken as directed as soon as you get home.  The antibiotics (if any) should be taken as directed until they are completely gone. (Caution: Antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.  We recommend using an alternative form of birth control while taking your prescriptions.) Take Ibuprofen/Motrin 3-4 times per day beginning today , for the next week.  If the narcotics seem to be necessary, take them as prescribed.
• It is important that you continue to receive nourishment.  Unless otherwise directed, it is usually more comfortable to limit the diet to soft foods during the first 12-24 hours.  Resume a regular diet as soon as possible.  DO NOT MISS MEALS!
• On the day after surgery, begin gently rinsing your mouth after meals with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water).  DO NOT rinse vigorously. Brush your teeth if possible, avoiding the surgical area for the first day or so.  It is important to keep your mouth clean during the healing period.
• Unless the Doctor or his assistant advises you otherwise, it is recommended that you apply intermittent ice packs to your face over the area of surgery for the first 12-24 hours after surgery.  Ice packs should be used 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, three times per day, for the first 24 hours.
• Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.  The average healing process can take 3-5 days.

 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.

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.