Postoperative Instructions After Multiple Extractions with Immediate Dentures

Please see Postoperative Instructions After Routine Dental Extractions for specific postoperative instructions, as these will all apply to both single tooth and multiple extractions.

A couple of additional factors that are unique to multiple extractions are listed below. 

If excessive bleeding is encountered, it is important to determine which site is the one that is causing the hemorrhage. A gauze pad moistened with ice water should then be placed directly over this site, and by biting down on the gauze, the pressure should control the bleeding. A teabag moistened with ice water can also be used.

When multiple teeth are removed that are adjacent to one another, it is common to feel small bony projections in the area between the tooth sockets.  These are the small triangles of bone that were located between the teeth.  These are normal, and will smooth out over time as the sites heal.

If a new denture is worn over the sites and denture adhesive is used, it is important that the adhesive is not placed near the stitches.  This would result in the adhesive adhering to the stitches, which would pull on the stitches when the denture is removed.

When an immediate denture is placed following multiple extractions, it is best to remove and clean the denture after meals.  The denture can be cleaned with warm water and a toothbrush. The mouth can then be gently rinsed with cool water, and if any blood clots are noted to be protruding above the level of the gums, these can be "pinched off" with a moistened gauze. The denture can than be replaced.

It is generally best to leave the denture in place while sleeping for at least the first week to two weeks following the surgery.  If the denture is left out while sleeping, or for extended periods of time shortly after the surgery, the soft tissue can swell, and you won't be able to get the denture to fit properly back in the mouth.

It is normal for their to be a "settling" process, as the swelling goes down over time. This results in pressure sores in areas where the denture is rubbing excessively.  Your dentist will make periodic adjustments to the denture to make it more comfortable.  After these adjustments, the denture will settle again, and new sores will develop in different areas, requiring further adjustments.  This "settling" process will eventually resolve as the extraction sites heal, and the denture will become comfortable and stable.

With multiple extractions in patients 50 and older, considerable bruising, sometimes even in areas quite distant from the surgical sites, is common.  Like any other bruise, these will usually resolve in 7 - 10 days.  The presence of bruising does not necessarily mean that there is any impending problems with the surgical sites.

Restrict your diet to soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.

When the corners of the mouth are stretched, as is necessary during this type of surgery, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline after surgery.

There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 - 48 hours. If temperature continues past this time, or elevates to 101.5 or greater, please notify our office.