A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a moistened gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. If a denture has been placed at the time of the surgery, DO NOT remove the immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. The immediate denture should remain in place for 48 hours until the swelling and bleeding has subsided. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture. Your dentist will decide when you should return back to the dental office for a denture adjustment.
Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously (30min. on/30min. off) while you are awake.
For mild discomfort a regimen of Tylenol (1000mg) and ibuprofen (600mg) is recommended. These medicines can be taken alternately every 3 hours. This treatment has many advantages including decreasing postoperative nausea, decreasing swelling after surgery and avoidance to the drowsiness associated with narcotic pain medication.
For severe pain a prescription may be given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day.
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 teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out the denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a 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.
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:
If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 1 week 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.