AFTER REMOVAL OF ONE TOOTH

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 an hour. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used instead of a gauze pad for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs avoid hot liquids and exercise; and do elevate the head. If bleeding persists call my office immediately. Do not remove the 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 on and off for the day of the surgery.

Take medication as prescribed.

Drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day, after you get home.

Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery after you get home. If the bleeding is well stopped, you may rinse the mouth before going to bed for the night. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 2-4 hours (and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area). Mix one half teaspoon of salt in a glass 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 (over 2-3 weeks).

A “dry socket” is a painful condition that arises about 5th day after surgery. This occurs when the blood clot dissolves prematurely from the tooth socket. Seen occurs almost exclusively in women and more commonly in women on birth control medication. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear or headache may occur. Call the office if this occurs.

AFTER REMOVAL OF MULTIPLE TEETH

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 3-4 days. Swelling and discolouration around the eyes may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discolouration 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 24 hours only)
• A sore throat may develop. This is not cause for concern and will 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 my 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.
• 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 an hour. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used instead of a gauze pad for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs avoid hot liquids and exercise; and do elevate the head. If bleeding persists call my office immediately. Do not remove the 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 on and off for the day of the surgery.
• Take medication as prescribed.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day, after you get home.
• Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery after you get home. If the bleeding is well stopped, you may rinse the mouth before going to bed for the night. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 2-4 hours (and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area). Mix one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. After you have seen your dentist or denturist 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 wounds heal you will be able to advance your diet (over 2-3 weeks).

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