multiple

Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding is expected following the operation. To control bleeding, apply firm direct pressure by biting on a moistened gauze pad placed directly over the bleeding sockets for 30 to 60 minutes.
If bleeding continues, apply firm direct pressure with moistened tea bags for 30 to 60 minutes. Tea has tannic acid, which is an astringent. The direct pressure and tannic acid help to form a clot by constricting blood vessels.
Dentures: If you have an immediate denture, some oozing of blood around the edges of the denture will occur. If bleeding beneath the denture is severe remove the denture, gently wipe away large blood clots with a gauze pad and apply firm direct pressure to the bleeding site by biting on the gauze and/or tea bags for 30 to 60 minutes. Slight blood tinged saliva or blotting blood on gauze may continue off and on for a day or two after surgery. Typically, this does not require management with gauze pressure. If active bleeding continues, please call the office for further instructions.
Swelling and bruising: Immediate application of ice packs to the face near the operated area will help to minimize swelling and bruising. Apply ice continuously or as much as possible while awake, especially during the first 2- 24 hours. Ice is helpful only during the first 72 hours after surgery. Swelling will peak 72 hours after surgery; then it will gradually begin to subside.
Discomfort: For mild to moderate discomfort use Tylenol, two (2) 325mg tablets every 4 hours. Advil or Motrin 200mg tablets can be taken if preferred: 2 tablets every 4 hours, or 3 tablets every 6 hours, 4 tablets every 8 hours if not contraindicated. For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. Pain should begin to improve by the third or fourth post-operative day. If given Phenergam (anti-nausea medicine) begin taking this medication at least one hour before taking your pain medication.
Rinsing: Begin warm salt water rinse on the first day after surgery. Rinse 5 to 6 times a day to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. DO NOT SPIT! Mix one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.
Dentures: If an immediate denture was inserted, after you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, remove the denture, rinse it out and rinse out your mouth at least 5 to 6 times a day.
If Peridex (chlorhexidine) oral rinse has been prescribed, follow the instructions on the bottle. Start the Peridex the day after surgery. Rinse with one capful in the mouth, swish for one minute and spit out twice a day after brushing for 10 to 14 days. If you have any natural teeth remaining you may start brushing gently with tooth brush and tooth paste on the evening of surgery or the day after surgery if there is no active bleeding.
Food: During the first few days restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods. As healing proceeds and you become more comfortable, you will gradually be able to advance your diet to more solid foods. It is important to drink 6 to 9 glasses of juice or water each day to avoid dehydration.

The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of one or two teeth. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed prior to the insertion of a denture or partial, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal
– Discoloration around the eye and / or jaw may occur. The discoloration may not become fully apparent 2 or 3 days after surgery. The application of a moist, warm towel may help eliminate the discoloration more rapidly. D not apply heat during the first 72 hours after surgery, this can increase swelling and bruising.
– The corners of the mouth may become dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an over the counter lip balm or Vaseline.
– There may be a slight elevation of temperature during the first 24 hours after surgery. If the temperature persists or reaches 101 or higher, notify our office immediately.
– If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you 24- 48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relive the sore spots. Since immediate dentures are fabricated before the teeth are extracted they may be loose and require an over the counter denture adhesive to help keep them in place. Once healing is complete the dentures may be relined by your dentist to improve the fit.
– Learning to eat and speak comfortably and confidently with dentures takes time and practice. Please do not get discouraged, and the harder you work at developing eating and speaking skills with your new denture, the sooner you will get good at it.

If you are experiencing any problems or have any questions, please call Dr. Adams at (910) 480-4890. Please try to call during normal business hours if possible; however, we have coverage after 5:00pm weekdays and 24 hours a day on the weekend by calling (910) 480-4890 and pressing option #3.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth should be replaced for the following reasons:
Improved esthetics Improved chewing efficiency
Improved speech articulation Stabilization of occlusion (preventing shifting of the teeth)
Comfort and self confidence.
In most cases the best option to replace missing teeth is with dental implants. If implants are not placed immediately, the extraction site should be evaluated for implants about 7 or 8 weeks after the teeth have been extracted. Waiting too long for implant placement after extractions can result in shifting of the teeth and bone loss due to bone resorption prohibiting future implant insertion or added expense.
Dental implants have rendered conventional dentures, partial dentures and in most cases, bridges obsolete. Only two dental implants are required to convert a loose lower denture into a secure call our office if you would like more information about dental implants.