After single or multiple tooth extractions, bleeding is expected. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting blood vessels. To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited or sit upright. Avoid exercise. Contact your surgeon’s office if bleeding does not subside.
Apply ice continuously for 30 minute intervals for the first two days after surgery.
Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort which will likely occur as the local anesthetic wears off. For moderate pain, you may take one or two acetaminophen such as Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol. Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, may be taken instead of acetaminophen. Two or three tablets may be taken every three to four hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, prescribed medication should be taken as advised.
Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day. For the first three days following surgery, restrict your diet to liquids and very soft food. As your wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first day. On day two, begin rinsing with a salt water solution (one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water) every four hours and after meals. This will help to flush out particles of food and debris that can become lodged in the surgical area. If you remove your denture, rinse and replace immediately. If you do not, your gums may swell and you will be unable to wear your denture. Expect some oozing around the side of your denture. If you had a denture placed, please follow your dentist’s instructions for care.
The removal of multiple teeth at one time is traumatic. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed prior to the insertion of a denture, the surgical area will swell. It will take two or three days to reach its maximum swelling. The application of a moist and warm towel will help avoid discoloration and should applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 36 hours after surgery.
If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery. Adjustments will be made to relieve those sore spots. Failure to see your dentist in the first few days may result in severe denture sores. This will prolong the healing process. Immediate dentures should not be removed for more that 15 – 20 minutes at a time. Your gums may swell and you will be unable to reinsert your dentures.
A sore throat may develop due to swelling in the throat muscles. This is normal and should subside in 2-3 days. You may also experience a slight elevation in your temperature. A temperature of 101 or more can be treated with acetaminophen. Please contact your surgeon’s office if your fever persists. Keep your lips moist with an ointment such as Vaseline. Because the corners of the mouth are stretched during surgery, your lips may dry out and crack.
