123 W Francis Ave Suite 102
Spokane, WA 99205

12409 E Mission Ave Suite 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99216

10121 N Nevada St Suite 102
Spokane, WA 99218

22106 E Country Vista Dr Suite C
Liberty Lake, WA 99019

2020 E 29th Ave Suite 130
Spokane, WA 99203

North Side Office

509-928-8800

Spokane Valley Office

Nevada Street Office

Liberty Lake Office

South Hill Office

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Biting on gauze placed on the surgical site will exert pressure on the wound and will help stop the bleeding. Gently remove the gauze after one hour following surgery. Only replace if you see active bleeding (oozing is normal for the first 24-48 hours). If bleeding continues past 6 hours, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. If bleeding does not subside, call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 3-5 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs, they should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes of each waking hour for the first 24 hours following surgery. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. After 24 hours, discontinue icing, switch to a warm compress on the outside of your cheeks, this will help bring blood flow back to the area and aid in comfort.

Pain

600-800mg of Ibuprofen taken every 6 hours will manage most post-surgical pain (caused by swelling and muscle strain). Alternate the Ibuprofen with either 500-1000mg of Extra Strength Tylenol OR prescribed pain medicine, if given. (Tylenol should not be taken in conjunction with pain medication that contains Tylenol/Acetaminophen. Example: Hydrocodone). Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists more than 5 days post operation, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Diet

Please avoid using straws, as the sucking motion may dislodge the blood clot and potentially lead to increased bleeding. On the day of surgery, only cold, soft foods should be consumed, as anything too warm may increase bleeding. The day after surgery, you may gradually begin eating warm foods. After five days, you can start incorporating more solid foods into your diet, as you feel comfortable. Be sure to chew away from the surgical sites. It is essential to maintain a high-calorie, high-protein diet to support recovery. To prevent dehydration, ensure you are consuming fluids regularly. Continued proper nutrition will help you feel better, regain strength, reduce discomfort, and promote faster healing.

Keep the mouth clean

No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. You can brush your teeth the night of surgery gently. The day after surgery you should begin gently swishing a few times a day, especially after eating, with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.

Discoloration

In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-5 days post-operatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

Antibiotics

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take as directed. Antibiotics will be given to help prevent infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

Other Complications

Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or Ibuprofen should be taken to reduce the fever.
If the corners of your mouth are stretched during surgery, they may become dry and susceptible to cracking. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep your lips moisturized with an ointment, such as Vaseline.
Sore throat and pain when swallowing are common following surgery, as the muscles in the area may become swollen. This swelling can make the act of swallowing painful. However, this discomfort typically subsides within 2 to 3 days.
Stiffness in the jaw muscles may make it difficult to open your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is a normal post-operative occurrence and should resolve with time.
If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 1 week after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots.