After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Immediately Following Surgery

Continue biting on gauze pad placed by surgical assistant for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes carefully remove the gauze pad.

Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing, spitting and drinking through straws.

Begin taking medications as prescribed by your Doctor.  It is best to take the initial dose of medication before the anesthesia wears off.  

Restrict your activities today and tomorrow.

Place ice packs to the sides of your face over surgery areas, 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.

IF YOU HAD IV SEDATION OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA, DO NOT DRIVE FOR 16 HOURS.

Bleeding

Immediately following procedure a small amount of bleeding is normal. This is generally controlled by keeping steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze pad placed by the surgical assistant. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and assists the formation of a clot. Once home, the pad can be gently removed. If bleeding persists, place a fresh, folded gauze pad over the area and apply pressure by biting firmly for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues in spite of the above, moisten a tea bag in cold water and place the bag over the area, biting firmly for 30 minutes. Lying down with your head raised on several pillows also helps to stop bleeding. Apply an ice bag or cold compress to the cheek on that side. If you are unable to control excessive bleeding, call our office.

After 24 hours some minor bleeding may persist and it is not unusual to find a stain of saliva mixed with blood on your pillow. If necessary, resume the use of gauze pads. After bleeding has stopped, cautiously begin oral hygiene.

Activity

Immediately following procedure reduce your activity as much as possible. Too much chewing or talking will contribute to greater swelling. It is best to nap with your head elevated on several pillows. Rest is important to start you on a good recovery.

After 24 hours and the few days following surgery, you may increase your activity as tolerated, but avoid bending and heavy exercise throughout the first week.

Swelling

The day of your procedure and the day following ice packs applied for 30 minutes on, then 30 minutes off, will aid in controlling the amount of swelling, but will not prevent it completely. Medications that aid in the reduction of swelling may have been prescribed and should be taken as instructed by your doctor. Swelling will usually peak two to four days after surgery.

Starting the 3rd day it may be helpful to apply moist heat to the swollen area.

Pain

Immediately following procedure begin taking medication as prescribed by your doctor. It is best to take the initial dose before the anesthesia wears off. Don’t be afraid to use the medication as it is designed to make those first days after surgery more comfortable. When taking oral medication, drink at least 1/2 cup of water or juice, to aid in absorption and reduce stomach irritation.

For medically healthy patients over the age of 12 we recommend starting with 400mg of over the counter ibuprofen plus 500mg of over the counter acetaminophen, taken simultaneously every 4 hours for the first 24 hours.   

After 24 hours continue to take your medication every 4-6 hours as needed. Unusual side effects from the medications should be reported to your doctor.

Nausea & Vomiting

Immediately following procedure it is not uncommon to experience nausea or vomiting. Medications, anesthetics, diet changes and swallowed blood can easily upset your stomach. A small bland meal or clear carbonated beverage may coat your stomach an help alleviate your discomfort.

Oral Hygiene

The day of surgery avoid rinsing or spitting, as this may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

The day after surgery begin rinsing every four to six hours, especially after meals, with a solution of warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1/2 glass of lukewarm water). Continue oral rinses at least four times a day for the first week following surgery. As tenderness decreases, you may resume your regular oral hygiene. Cleanliness is important for uncomplicated recovery, as food left in the surgery area may slow healing and promote infection. Avoid commercial mouthwashes as they may irritate the area and delay healing.

Diet

Immediately following your procedure it is important that you drink plenty of fluids and not use a straw. Water and juices are good choices. Soft foods such as ice cream, pudding, gelatin, soups and applesauce should be eaten at meal times, if possible. If swallowing is difficult, meals may have to be eaten five to six times daily in small portions.

After 24 hours add more solid foods to your diet as it becomes more comfortable to chew. It is best to avoid crunchy, hard foods like popcorn, nuts and chips for one week following surgery.

Dental Appliances

If immediate dentures or partials have been inserted, the doctor will give you instructions specific to your procedure regarding wearing and cleaning the appliance.

Sore spots may develop. In most cases, your general 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.