These instructions apply with or without placement of immediate dentures.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a cold wet tea bag (squeezed out) directly over the bleeding socket and apply “biting pressure” for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, call our office immediately. Remember to push the cold fluids as this will also aid in clot formation.
If an immediate denture has been placed, do not remove denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the denture. If the denture is removed, wipe the mouth out with a cold wet rag, figure out where the bleeding is coming from, then place a gauze or tea bag in that area. Bite down on it for 30 minutes. Drink a cold beverage, then place denture back in. Repeat process if necessary. If excessive bleeding persists, call our office immediately.
Pain
For pain use the prescription given to you. Begin the pain medicine as instructed during post op instructions. Especially before the numb sensation wears off. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, always finish it. If mouth rinse is prescribed, always rinse as directed.
Hygiene
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.) If a denture is placed, remove the denture and rinse as 3-4 times a day while also cleaning denture.
Diet
For the first 24 hours, your diet will consist of soft, cold liquids and food. Avoiding any carbonated water. After 24 hours you will remain on a soft diet, at any temperature, increasing consistency as tolerated.
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 of operation will swell. It will reach the greatest level of swelling in 2 days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a warm moist towel will 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 24 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, or is above 101 degrees, notify our office.
If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In many cases, your dentist will see you the very next day after surgery. This appointment will be made before your surgery with us. At that appointment, the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots will be made. Failure to relieve the sore spots may result in more severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.
