Frisco Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Frisco, TX

972-335-8717


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Surgical Instructions

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

A small to moderate amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. When the bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket or sockets and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, you may bite on a moist tea bag for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, avoid 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 48 hours only. Apply ice continuously 30-45 minutes each hour while you are awake.

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-4 tablets every 4-6 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.

Drink plenty of fluids. If multiple teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of clear liquids the first day.

Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm plain water or 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). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out 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 surgery site heals, 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:

  • The area operated on will swell, usually reaching a maximum in two 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 48 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 48 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 early on 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.