Multiple Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After a multiple tooth extraction, following proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth and effective recovery. With multiple extraction sites, extra care is needed to manage pain, prevent infection, and support the healing process. Please read through the following aftercare instructions and adhere to them carefully. Our team is here to assist you, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery.

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, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the black tea helps to form a clot by contracting blood vessels. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head if bleeding occurs. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove the immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical site. Apply ice for the first 48 hours only, continuously while you are awake.

For mild discomfort, use aspirin or Tylenol—two tablets every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 3000 mg for an adult in a day. Two to three tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 3200 mg for an adult in a day.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not subside after two days or increases after two days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction.

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.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first postoperative day or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every four hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water.) After seeing your dentist for denture adjustment, remove the denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you. As the wounds heal, you can resume your normal diet.

Removing many teeth at one time is quite different from extracting just 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 eyes may occur. Applying a moist, warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as is tolerable, beginning 36 hours after surgery. (Remember: ice packs are used for the first 48 hours only.)

A sore throat may develop. The throat muscles are near the extraction sites. Swelling in 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. Your temperature may be slightly elevated for 24-48 hours. If your temperature continues to rise, 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 to make the necessary adjustments and relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, prolonging healing.