After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Home Care After Teeth Extraction | Bleeding | Swelling | Pain Management | Diet and Hydration | Oral Hygiene | Dentures

Home Care After Teeth Extraction

Please read patient instructions from Dr. Bui to help your recovery at home after your surgery. Call our Worcester office if you have any questions or concerns: Worcester MA Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 508-799-2550.

Do not disturb the extraction sites. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the area on the day of surgery. You may have had sutures placed and these can initially be aggravating to your tongue.

Bleeding

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 20 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 20 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately: Worcester MA Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 508-799-2550. Do not remove an immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Swelling

Use ice packs on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 24 hours only. Apply ice 10 minutes on, and 20 minutes off while you are awake.

Pain Management

For mild discomfort use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) 325 mg two tablets every 6 hours. Three ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) 200mg tablets can be taken every 6 hours. For maximum benefit, alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen every 3 hours. This will allow you to take something for pain every 3 hours without the concern of overdose.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If taking the prescription, take it instead of the acetaminophen and alternate it with ibuprofen 600 mg. every 3 hours. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days or increases after 2 days, please call our office: Worcester MA Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 508-799-2550.

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Diet and Hydration

Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted, the blood and fluid lost at the time need to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of liquid on the first day. Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse your mouth for the first day or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse 5-6 times daily and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One-half teaspoon of salt in an 8oz. glass of lukewarm water). If an immediate denture was placed, leave it in until you see your dentist the next day. After you have seen your dentist for your first denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse it 3 to 4 times a day.

Dentures

If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your 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.

The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of 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 eye may occur if the upper teeth were removed. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration more quicker. The towel should be applied 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off, beginning 24 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 24 hours only).
  • A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat 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® or ChapStick®.

Are You Ready to Smile With Confidence Again?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!