Multiple Extractions

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is normal after the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad over the bleeding socket and apply firm pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, use a moist tea bag for 30 minutes, as the tannic acid can help form a clot. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and keep your head elevated. If bleeding persists, contact our office immediately. Do not remove immediate dentures unless the bleeding is severe; some oozing around the denture is expected.

Apply ice packs to the same side of the face as the operated area continuously while awake for the first 36 hours. For mild discomfort, use Tylenol® or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). For severe pain, take the prescribed medication. If pain persists or worsens after two days, contact our office. If antibiotics were prescribed, complete the full course even if symptoms improve.

Drink plenty of fluids to help replace the blood lost during extraction, especially if multiple teeth were removed.

Avoid rinsing your mouth on the first day after surgery or while bleeding is still occurring. After the first day, rinse with warm salt water every 4 hours and after meals to remove food particles and debris from the operated area. Use a mixture of one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Once you have your denture adjusted by your dentist, remove the denture and rinse 3 – 4 times a day.

Stick to liquids and soft foods that are easy to eat. As your wounds heal, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods based on your comfort level.

The removal of multiple teeth at once differs significantly from extracting one or two teeth. Due to the need to shape and smooth the bone before placing a denture, you may experience the following normal conditions:

• Swelling in the operated area typically reaches its peak within two days, and you may also notice discoloration around the eyes. To help reduce the discoloration, apply a moist, warm towel continuously for as long as comfortable, starting 36 hours after surgery. Note that ice packs should be used only during the first 36 hours.
• You might experience a sore throat due to swelling in the throat muscles near the extraction sites. This is a normal response and should improve within 2 – 3 days.
• The corners of your mouth may dry out and crack if they are stretched. Keep your lips moist with an ointment like Vaseline. A slight fever for 24 – 48 hours is normal, but if it persists, please notify our office.

If you've had immediate dentures placed, it's common to experience sore spots. Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up visit within 24 – 48 hours after surgery to adjust the dentures and address these discomforts. Prompt adjustments are important to prevent severe sores that could delay your recovery.