Having many teeth extracted at once differs from having just one or two teeth removed. The bone must be shaped and smoothed during multiple teeth extraction before inserting a denture. 

In this case, the following conditions may occur and are considered normal:

  • You may experience swelling and discoloration, sometimes around the eye or under the chin. Swelling usually begins the day after surgery and reaches its peak on day three. You can minimize swelling by applying a warm compress to the affected area.
  • It is normal to experience a sore throat due to swelling muscles, which should resolve on its own over two or three days.
  • Also, note that your lips may become dry or cracked. Application of Vaseline or other ointments can help a great deal.

If you received immediate dentures, you might develop some sore spots. Usually, your regular dentist will see you several days after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve sore spots. Failure to make this appointment may result in severe denture sores, which can, in turn, extend your healing process.

Bleeding

Following the extraction of multiple teeth, some slight bleeding or red saliva is normal and may continue on and off for 12-24 hours. If you experience excessive bleeding, you may be able to control it by placing fresh gauze over the areas and biting on the gauze for 30-45 minutes at a time. It is best to moisten the gauze with tap water and loosely fluff for more comfortable positioning. If bleeding continues, repeat this step, or try biting down on a moist tea bag (soaked in water, squeezed damp and wrapped in a moist gauze) for 20 or 30 minutes. Finally, you can minimize bleeding by resting, elevating your head, and avoiding physical exercise or excitement. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office. 

Do NOT sleep with gauze in your mouth. Old pillowcases and bedding should be used for the first 2 days following the procedure.

Denture wearers can expect some oozing from around the sides of their dentures. Temporarily removing the dentures can allow you to eat and properly clean the wound sites.  However, leaving the dentures in place for as long as possible can provide pressure and serve as a “band-aid” to control bleeding and pain. 

Swelling

Following the extraction of multiple teeth, you can expect swelling around the mouth, cheeks, and even underneath the eyes. This symptom is the body’s normal response to surgery. Usually, the swelling does not become evident until the day after surgery and will reach its peak on day three. You can control the swelling by continuously using ice packs on the outside of your face over the surgical site while you are awake. The ice packs should be applied twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off during the first 72 hours (3 days) after surgery.  After 72 hours (4th day) after surgery, you may 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. Massage your cheek 3-4 times per day to help the swelling subside over the next week.

Your jaw may become stiff following surgery, especially during the second and third days of recovery. Stiffness is a normal response to surgery. Once swelling declines, you may begin daily mouth-opening exercises to regain functionality. You may require 3-4 weeks of exercising before returning to normal.

Pain

We recommend beginning any prescribed pain medications before your numbing medicine wears off.

If you experience mild to moderate pain, you may take 1-2 tablets of Acetaminophen (Tylenol® or Extra Strength Tylenol®) every 6 hours.  Ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) can also help control pain, swelling, and inflammation. Ibuprofen generally comes in 200mg tablets; your doctor may suggest a 600mg dosage every 6 hours or an 800mg dosage every 8 hours.

Your doctor may prescribe narcotic pain medications for more severe pain. Narcotic pain medications can cause you to feel groggy, and they may also slow your reflexes. We recommend not driving, operating machinery, or drinking alcohol when taking narcotic pain medicines.  

Following 72 hours after surgery, pain should become less and less pronounced each day. If discomfort persists or intensifies, contact the office.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can help prevent infection, so take them as directed if they are prescribed for you. If you develop a rash or other adverse reactions, contact our office immediately.

Diet

Once tolerating liquids, you can start eating any soft foods that are easy to clean out of your mouth. We recommend chewing away from the surgical site when possible.

Seek nourishment regularly, and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. Over the first few days, your food intake may be lower, so compensate by drinking more liquids and protein or nutrition shakes for calories and protein. Aim for a minimum of five to six glasses of liquid daily.

Exercise

If you feel able, you may return to light cardiovascular activities 3-4 days after surgery. If you exercise regularly or play a sport, be aware that you may not be able to intake your regular food and liquid amounts, and you may need to ease back into those activities slowly. If you become lightheaded, avoid exercising for several more days to give your body more time to recover. We recommend avoiding heavy weightlifting and contact sports for 7-10 days.

Keeping Your Mouth Clean

On the day of your surgery, you may gently brush your teeth at night to keep your mouth as clean as possible, but avoid brushing surgery sites for the first 72 hours after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort. Begin rinsing with salt water 3-4 times daily, especially after eating. Use ¼ teaspoon of salt dissolved in a ¼ cup of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire amount. DO NOT SPIT, let the salt water solution fall out of your mouth into the sink.

Your surgeon may prescribe a prescription-strength mouthwash and/or salt water rinses.

Sutures

Sutures will minimize bleeding and expedite your healing. They will stay in place and self-dissolve in 3-10 days but may dislodge during the first couple of days. Simply remove the dislodged suture from your mouth and discard it.

Over a month, the cavity where your tooth once stood will fill with tissue and close over. Use saltwater rinses and tooth brushing to keep this area clean, especially following meals, and facilitate cleaning. 

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket, causing pain in the mouth or the ear. If this happens, reach out to our office for further guidelines.