Post-Op Guide for Multiple Tooth Extractions
If you’ve had several teeth removed, here are a few guidelines to help you through the post-operative process.
You can expect some bleeding and discomfort afterward. You should firmly bite on a gauze pad for about half an hour. If that doesn’t stop the bleeding, you can repeat it with another gauze pad. If you experience prolonged bleeding, don’t consume hot drinks or work out, and make sure you elevate your head. If it’s severe, contact us right away.
Apply an ice pack to your cheek for as much as possible during the first 36 hours. For mild or moderate pain, you can take aspirin, Tylenol or another pain medication. The dosage is two tablets every 3 to 4 hours. If you’re taking Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), take two or three 200mg tablets every 3 to 4 hours.
If the pain is intense, your doctor will prescribe medication that you can take to treat it. You should be discomfort-free after two days. If it still persists, give us a call. Take antibiotics as prescribed.
Stay hydrated. It’s best to drink at least six glasses of water a day. Stick to soft foods, like soup, scrambled eggs, and pudding. As the extraction sites heal, you’ll be able to go back to your normal diet.
You can start rinsing your mouth with salt water one day post surgery. You’ll need to add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water. You should use it to gently rinse every four hours and after every meal.
Common symptoms after removing several teeth
Because the extraction of several teeth is much more extensive than the removal of only one or two teeth, you may experience certain symptoms, like:
- Throat soreness due to the swelling of the muscles near the wounds.
- Dry and cracked corners of the mouth because they were stretched during the procedure.
- Slightly elevated temperature for a day or two.
- Swelling and bruising of the face, which reaches its peak after two days. You can reduce it by placing a wet, warm towel on the area.
These are normal side effects that shouldn’t concern you. However, if you have any questions or are worried because of any of your symptoms, don’t hesitate to give us a call.