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 30–60 minutes, replacing the gauze as needed. So 30-60 minutes is how long you need to leave gauze on after a tooth extraction.
If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30–60 minutes.
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.
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 while you are awake.
For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Regular Strength Tylenol® (325 mg) may be taken every 6 hours (no more than 2600 mg in a 24-hour period). Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) may be taken instead of Tylenol®. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 3–4 tablets may be taken every 4–6 hours as needed for pain (no more than 3200 mg in a 24-hour period). Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. This may include patients with liver or kidney disease.
For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. (Please note: if this prescription has Tylenol® [APAP] in it, see the above paragraph.) The prescribed pain medicine may make you groggy and may slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day.
If the pain does not begin to subside in 2–3 days, or increases after 3 days, please call our office.
If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.
Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least 6 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 saltwater 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). DO NOT rinse with peroxide, even if diluted. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 3–4 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.
After the Removal of Many Teeth
The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of 1 or 2 teeth. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed before 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. The application of a warm moist 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). Swelling generally reaches a peak in 24–36 hours and then subsides over the next 3–5 days. If swelling begins to increase after the third post-operative day, please contact your doctor immediately.
A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near 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 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.
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