After Multiple Tooth Extractions

Immediately After Surgery

• Keep the gauze pad placed on the surgical sites in place for 30 minutes
  
• Avoid touching or rinsing the surgical area for the rest of the day
  
• Begin Ibuprofen and Tylenol as soon as you are able
  
• If OTC medications are not sufficient, take your prescribed medication only as directed
  
• Be cautious with narcotics — they are sedating and addictive
  
• Safely dispose of unused prescriptions; your local police station may offer a secure drop box
  
• Rest with your head elevated and limit activity for the first 24 hours
  
• Use ice packs on both sides of your face to reduce swelling
  

Bleeding

Mild bleeding or pink saliva is normal. For more significant bleeding:

1. Wipe away any old clots
   
2. Place a clean gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes
   
3. If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened tea bag — the tannins help promote clotting
   
4. Avoid exercise or bending over, which can increase bleeding
   

Call us if bleeding continues. If urgent and we are unavailable, go to the nearest emergency room.

Swelling

Swelling typically peaks 2–3 days after surgery.

To reduce swelling:

• Use ice packs for the first 36 hours (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
  
• After 36 hours, switch to moist heat
  
• Some jaw stiffness and facial swelling are normal and may last several days
  

Pain Management

Post-op discomfort is expected and should gradually improve.

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 400–600 mg every 4–6 hours
  
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Alternate with ibuprofen as needed
  
• Use prescribed medications only if pain remains uncontrolled
  

Do not drive or operate machinery when taking narcotic medications. Avoid alcohol during your recovery.

Diet

After anesthesia or IV sedation:

• Start with clear liquids
  
• Progress to soft, nutritious foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, and oatmeal
  
• Avoid chewing directly over extraction sites
  
• Use a straw only if advised
  
• Drink at least 5–6 glasses of fluid daily to stay hydrated
  
• Do not skip meals; proper nourishment aids faster healing
  

Caution: Move slowly from lying to sitting or standing, especially in the first 24 hours.

Oral Hygiene

• Do not rinse or spit the day of surgery
  
• Brush teeth gently the night of surgery
  
• Begin salt water rinses (1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) the day after surgery
  
• Rinse 5–6 times daily, especially after meals
  

Maintaining oral cleanliness reduces the risk of infection and improves healing.

Discoloration

Bruising or skin discoloration may appear 2–3 days after surgery. This is normal and caused by blood under the tissues. Apply warm compresses after the first 36 hours to aid healing.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics were prescribed:

• Take them exactly as directed
  
• Stop if you experience a rash or any allergic reaction
  
• Contact our office with any concerns or side effects
  

Nausea or Vomiting

If you experience nausea:

• Avoid prescription pain medications
  
• Stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks (Gatorade, Vitamin Water, ginger ale)
  
• Gradually resume light food intake
  

If vomiting persists, contact our office or seek emergency care if we are unavailable.

Other Common Effects

• Numbness: Temporary numbness in the lip, tongue, or chin is usually not a cause for concern
  
• Mild fever: Common within the first 24 hours; treat with Tylenol or Ibuprofen
  
• Hard projections: These are bone fragments, not tooth roots. They typically resolve on their own
  
• Cracked lips: Use Vaseline or ointment if lips become dry
  
• Sore throat: May occur due to swollen muscles
  
• Trismus (jaw stiffness): Normal after surgery; will improve gradually with time
  

Sutures

Sutures help protect the surgical sites and are often dissolvable. If they come loose early, it’s not usually a concern. We will remove them in about a week, and the process is quick and painless.

Bone Healing

There will be open sockets or holes where your teeth were removed. These will gradually fill in with tissue. Keep these areas clean using salt water rinses and gentle brushing.

To better understand this procedure, visit our Tooth Extractions service page.

Dry Socket Warning

A dry socket occurs when the clot is lost from the extraction site and leads to severe pain that is not relieved by medication. Symptoms include:

• Intense pain at the surgical site
  
• Radiating pain to the ear
  
• Bad taste or odor
  

Call the office if you believe you're experiencing a dry socket or infection.

When to Call Us

Reach out immediately if you have:

• Uncontrolled bleeding
  
• Severe pain after 3–4 days
  
• Fever that lasts beyond 24 hours
  
• Concerns about sutures, healing, or swelling
  
• Numbness lasting beyond expected timeframes
  

Find your nearest location via our Contact Us / Locations page.