Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Willmar & Marshall, MN

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After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

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 at least one hour. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 60 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Pain Management After Multiple Tooth Extractions

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 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while you are awake.

For mild to moderate pain, take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. For severe pain, use the prescription given to you (do not combine with Tylenol). Do not take any of these medications if you are allergic or have been instructed by a physician not to take them. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2-3 days, or increases after 2-3 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, it is important to finish your prescription even if your symptoms improve or resolve. Antibiotic therapy may decrease oral contraceptive effectiveness. Those taking birth control pills should consult their physician. Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking pain medication. Due to current federal law, most narcotic prescriptions can no longer be called in on weekends or evenings.

For you own safety, do not drive, operate machinery, or sign any important or legal documents for 24 hours following intravenous anesthesia. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

What to Eat & Drink After Your Tooth Extraction

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 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 a glass of lukewarm water).

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.

Normal Signs of Healing

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 2-3 days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. After 48-72 hours the application of a moist warm towel may 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 an ointment like Vaseline. There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If temperature continues, 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.