Surgical Instructions

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small amount of bleeding is expected following your surgery. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding site and apply biting pressure for 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 45 minutes. If bleeding persists, avoid hot liquids, minimize activity, elevate your head and call our office immediately. Do not remove your immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. The denture will often act as a "band-aid".  Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.  Bleeding will gradually lessen over the first several hours.

Use ice packs on the same side of your face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply the ice "on" and "off" while you are awake.

For mild discomfort use Tylenol (325 mg) two tablets every 4 hours as needed for pain. Ibuprofen (200 mg)  three tablets every 6 hours  as needed for pain.

For severe pain use the prescription given to you by Drs. Fraser and Michaels. If the pain does not subside or actually increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed by Drs. Fraser and Michaels,  finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted, your "blood loss" needs to be replaced. Drink at least eight glasses of liquid the first day.  Do not drink liquids through a straw.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt-water rinse every 4 hours 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 8 oz glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for a denture adjustment, take your denture out and rinse your mouth 3 to 4 times a day.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.  Soft foods are usually tolerated after 24 hours. You may resume normal physical activity as tolerated 2 or 3 days after surgery as directed by Drs. Fraser and Michaels.

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 surgical area will swell reaching a maximum in three days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration quicker. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 36 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 36 hours only).
  • A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites. Swelling into 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 Chap Stick or Blistex. There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If a fever persists, 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 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.