Home Care Instructions After Multiple Teeth Extraction
Slight bleeding should be expected after multiple teeth extraction surgery. If bleeding occurs, place gauze directly over the bleeding site and apply pressure to bite for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in black tea helps clot by constricting blood vessels. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate your head. If bleeding continues, call our office immediately. Do not remove your immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some drainage from the side of the denture.
Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgery site. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
For mild discomfort, use aspirin, Tylenol, or another similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Two to three ibuprofen tablets (Advil or Motrin) can be taken every 3-4 hours.
For severe pain, use the prescription you were given. If the pain does not begin to subside after 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic is prescribed, be sure to finish the prescription unless you have an allergic reaction.
Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth are being extracted, the blood lost during this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of fluid the first day.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first day after surgery, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 4 hours and after meals to wash away food particles and debris that may have accumulated in the surgical area. (One teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water). After you have visited your dentist for denture adjustment, remove your dentures and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.
Limit your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you. As your wounds heal, you will be able to resume your normal diet.
Having multiple teeth extracted at once is quite different from having just one or two teeth extracted. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed before a denture can be placed, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:
- The area of surgery will swell, peaking in two days. Swelling and discoloration may occur around the eyes. Applying a warm, damp cloth will help to reduce the discoloration. The cloth should be applied continuously for as long as is tolerated, starting 36 hours after surgery. (Remember: ice packs are only used for the first 36 hours).
- A sore throat may develop. The muscles in the throat are close to the extraction sites. Swelling of the throat muscles can cause pain. This is normal and should subside in 2-3 days.
- If the corners of your mouth are pulled, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as Vaseline. There may be a slight increase in temperature for 24-48 hours. If your temperature continues to rise, please notify our office.
If immediate dentures are fitted, sore spots may appear. In most cases, your dentist will see you inside 24-48 hours after surgery to make any necessary adjustments and relieve these sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.
Why Choose Dr. Dimitrov
Elite Training: Earned his DMD from the University of Connecticut and completed residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident.
Proven Leadership: Awarded the prestigious Professor’s Cup for excellence in surgery, patient care, and academic achievement.