A small amount of bleeding is normal following your surgery. If bleeding persists, place a gauze pad directly over the affected area and apply biting pressure for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and keep your head elevated. If bleeding persists, contact our office immediately. Do not remove your immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe, but expect some oozing around the edges of the denture.

For the first 36 hours after surgery, use ice packs externally on the cheek near the surgical site to minimize swelling. Apply ice continuously while awake during this period.

For mild discomfort, take two Tylenol tablets every 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you may take 2-3 tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 3-4 hours. For severe pain, follow the prescription provided by your surgeon. If the pain does not begin to subside after two days or worsens, please call our office.

If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them as directed until the prescription is finished, unless you experience an allergic reaction.

Stay hydrated and drink at least six glasses of fluids on the first day to replace any blood lost during surgery.

Do not rinse your mouth on the first day post-surgery or while bleeding is present. After the first day, rinse with warm salt water every 4 hours and after meals to help remove food particles and debris from the surgical area. (Use one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water). After your dentist adjusts your dentures, remove them and rinse 3-4 times a day.

Stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat. As healing progresses, you can gradually return to your normal diet.

The removal of multiple teeth differs from extracting one or two teeth. Since the bone must be reshaped before inserting a denture, the following conditions may occur, all of which are normal:

• Swelling: The surgical area will swell, reaching its peak in 2 days. Discoloration around the eyes may also occur. Applying a moist warm towel after 36 hours will help alleviate this discoloration. Remember, ice packs are only used during the first 36 hours.

• Sore Throat: Swelling around the extraction sites can affect the throat muscles, causing discomfort. This should subside within 2-3 days.

• Dry or Cracked Lips: The corners of your mouth may dry out and crack from being stretched. Keep your lips moisturized with an ointment like Vaseline.

• Slight Fever: A mild temperature increase for the first 24-48 hours is common. If your fever continues to rise, contact our office.

If immediate dentures were placed, you may experience sore spots. Your dentist will typically see you within 24-48 hours for adjustments to relieve these spots. Not addressing these issues can lead to severe denture sores and prolong the healing process.