After Multiple Teeth Removal/Dentures

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. Keeping bite pressure on the denture for 30-60 minutes should help stop the bleeding, however, some oozing from around the edges of the denture is expected to persist for several hours, but should eventually stop on its own. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe.

After general anesthetic or I.V. sedation, liquids only should be initially taken. Do not use straws. Drink from a glass. The sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. You should not chew on the day of surgery. High calorie, high protein intake is very important. Suggested examples of acceptable foods include: any beverages, soups without solids which require chewing to swallow, jello, pudding, apple sauce, ice cream, yogurt, milkshakes, protein shakes, etc.. If you are experiencing any nausea dairy products may not be well tolerated. Nourishment should be taken regularly. You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. At least 8-10 glasses of liquid should be taken daily.

After the day of surgery, you may eat anything soft. Try not to miss a single meal. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat. Due to jaw soreness and stiffness chewing may be difficult for up to 7-10 days following surgery. It is best to limit chewing to those foods of a consistency that does not cause discomfort.

No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. Leave the denture in place the night of the surgery as it will act as a band-aid over the wounds. You should see your dentist within 72 hours of the surgery for evaluation and adjustment of the fit of the dentures. If you are scheduled to see your dentist the day after the surgery, leave the denture in place until the appointment and let the dentist remove the denture for the first time. If not, the morning after surgery you should remove the denture and rinse vigorously at least 4-5 times a day, especially after each meal with mouthwash or a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt. Do not leave the denture out of your mouth for more than a few minutes as the gum tissues may swell and inhibit reinsertion of the dentures. Beginning on the second night after surgery the dentures should be left out of the mouth overnight each night.