After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Please review this information prior to your surgery. Following these instructions will assist in your recovery. 

CONTACTING OUR OFFICE

If you have been treated by our office and have encountered an emergent situation after hours, please call our main office number Lethbridge Office Phone Number 587-425-1600 to contact Drs. Goth, Olsen or Higashi. We prefer if you contact us first rather than your own dentist or family doctor; however, if you have difficulty breathing or are experiencing severe bleeding requiring immediate attention, proceed to the emergency room or dial 911. Calls for prescription refills and routine questions should be made during our regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm).

BLEEDING

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 exercise, avoid hot liquids, 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.

SWELLING

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours. Apply ice on-and-off in 15 minute intervals while you are awake. If you have had extractions on both sides of your mouth you can switch the ice from side to side in 15 minute intervals.

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 an elevated temperature continues, notify our office.

PAIN MEDICATION

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. If you have mild to moderate pain,  over-the-counter Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be used, provided you do not have any allergies or health reasons to avoid them. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.

If using Regular Strength Tylenol, up to two tablets may be taken every 4 hours. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets, and up to two tablets may be taken every 4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Call the office if the medication does not seem to be working.

ANTIBIOTICS

If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. If you develop a rash, stop taking the antibiotics and notify the oral surgeon.

DIET

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. 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 (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water) every 4 hours and following meals; this will help flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out your denture and rinse it 3 to 4 times a day. 

DENTURE SORE SPOTS

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.