Surgical Instructions

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth


Bleeding is to be expected following this operation. Place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding area and apply pressure for 60 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 60 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate your head about 30 degrees. If bleeding persists, call our office. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture if one was placed.

Use ice on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 48 hours only. Apply ice intermittently while you are awake.

For mild discomfort use  Tylenol or any similar medication; two tablets every 4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg may be taken 2-3 tablets every 4 hours.

For severe pain use the prescription 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, unless you develop a bad reaction.

Nausea and Vomiting

In the event of nausea and/or vomiting following surgery, do not take anything by mouth for at least an hour including the prescribed medicine. You should then sip on clear fluids like water,tea, gatorade or flat ginger ale. You should sip slowly over a fifteen-minute period. When the nausea subsides you can begin taking solid foods and the prescribed medicine. Be sure to call us if this doesn't improve.

Drink at least six glasses of liquid per day.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse 5-6 times per day with your dentures out. (One teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm 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.

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 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.