After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible.  These guidelines will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call our office.  Calling during office hours will afford a faster response to your question or concern. In case of a True Emergency a 24-hour answering service is available to contact the doctor on call after hours. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FIRST DAY

EXERCISE CARE

DO NOT...

• Rinse vigorously.
• Gargle or spit. 
• Use a straw or probe the area with any objects. 
• Take any pain medication on an EMPTY STOMACH.
• PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours.  
• Remove your immediate denture.
• Disturb the surgical area today.

OOZING

Intermittent bleeding or oozing for up to 48 hours is normal.  Bleeding should never be severe. 

DO...

• Place fresh gauze over the surgical area and bite down firmly for 30 – 45 minutes to control bleeding if needed.    
• If bleeding persists or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in warm water then squeezed damp-dry) for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Brush your teeth gently
• Elevate your head.

SWELLING 

Swelling is often associated with oral surgery.  Swelling can be minimized by using a cold pack, or ice bag wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to the face adjacent to the surgical area. 

DO...

• Apply ice packs to face rotating 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours.
• If you have been prescribed medicine to control swelling, take it as prescribed.

Please continue taking your regular medications at the prescribed dose and normal times.

PAIN 

Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.  You may have been given a prescription for pain medication, which you should fill immediately.  You may also take over the counter pain medications such has Advil® or Aleve®. 

DO NOT...

• Rinse vigorously.
• Gargle or spit. 
• Use a straw or probe the area with any objects. 
• Take any pain medication on an EMPTY STOMACH.
• PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours. 
• Remove your immediate denture.
• Disturb the surgical area today.

NAUSEA

Nausea is not uncommon after surgery.  Allow your stomach to gradually settle down.  

DO...

• Eat soft gentle foods, toast, crackers, tea etc. . .
• Sips of flat Classic Coca-Cola® or Ginger Ale can be helpful.
• Gradually advance to soups, jello®, eggs etc. . .
• Be sure to get plenty of fluids.
• Call our office if nausea and/or vomiting persists longer than 24 hours.

DO NOT...

• Take any pain medication on an empty or upset stomach.

DIET 

You may eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort.  You are your own best judge.

DO...

• EAT, it is important to begin eating and drinking as soon as possible.
• Soft foods are advisable for the first day such as, Popsicles, jello, soups, scrambled eggs, yogurt, etc. . .
• If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits or follow instructions given by your doctor.

DO NOT...

• Use a straw for the first few days after surgery.
• Eat or drink any extremely HOT foods or drinks while you are still numb.
• Eat foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc.. .
• Skip meals, regular nourishment will help you to heal faster and feel better.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS

MOUTH RINSES 

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. 

DO...

• Gently rinse your mouth with 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water
• Repeat as often as you like, but at least two or three times daily.
• Begin your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible after surgery. 
• Beginning THIRD DAY apply warm compresses to the skin over the areas of swelling (hot water bottle, hot moist towels, heating pad) for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to help soothe tender areas. 

This will also help decrease swelling and stiffness.

HEALING 

Each person responds a little differently to surgery and medication.  You may experience some of the following NORMAL reactions. 

NORMAL

The first three days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable.

• There is usually some swelling
• Often the third post-op day will be the peak of swelling.
• On the fourth day you should begin to see improvement and be more comfortable
• Skin discoloration of the face and neck may be expected, it may take a week to completely disappear
• The arm or hand near the site where the IV needle was placed may remain inflamed and tender, application of heat on the area will usually correct these symptoms.
• The remainder of the post-operative course should be gradual, steady improvement.
• Sutures are designed to dissolve.  You may notice some small bits of suture in your mouth or when you rinse as you heal.
• If you have an immediate denture, make an appointment to see your dentist.

CALL US IF. . . 

• If you don’t see steady improvement during the first four or five days after surgery.
• There is a noticeable, distinct, persistent pain in the jaw area, often radiating toward the ear and forward along the jaw, which may cause other teeth to ache.
• If severe pain persists.
• If you should experience numbness or loss of sensation of the lip and chin which persists more than a few days.
• If you feel something hard or sharp in the surgical areas.

PLEASE NOTE:  Telephone calls for narcotic (pain killer) prescription renewals are ONLY accepted during office hours.

Attention Please

If you have Caller ID Blocking on you telephone, please remove the block before calling our office (Press *87).  During normal office hours, we will be able to respond much faster if your block has been removed.  If you call after hours the Doctor will be unable to return your call if your call blocking has not been released.