- Lititz Office: (717) 627-2299
- Hershey Office: (717) 298-6477
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Antibiotics and other medications may interfere with the effectivesness of oral contraceptives for one complete cycle of birth control pills.
Swelling after surgery is progressive and can increase through the third day. After 3 days the swelling should begin to subside.
A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. Be sure to avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding continues, call our office immediately. *If you have an immediate denture do not remove it unless the bleeding is severe. Some oozing around the side of the denture is normal.
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice intermittently as directed.
For mild discomfort Tylenol or any similar medication may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-3 tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed. For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms. Do not take any medications you may have allergies to or are advised not to take.
Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm saltwater rinse every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debri. After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.
Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.
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, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:
The area operated on will swell reaching a maximum in two days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration quicker. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning.
A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites. Swelling into the throat muscles can cause pain. This is normal and should subside in 2-3 days.
If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline. There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If your temperature remains elevated longer or is higher than 100.4 F, notify our office.
If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.