We monitor our appointment requests several times a day and will usually reply within one business day during open hours.
A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for four hours, changing the gauze every hour. If excessive bleeding continues after biting firmly on the gauze for 4 hours, it may be controlled by first rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth and then biting on a moistened tea bag wrapped in gauze for one hour. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If the bleeding does not subside, call for further instructions. Do not remove immediate dentures unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture. If the bleeding does not subside, call the office immediately at 770-396-8860.
Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 48 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication; two tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-4 tablets every 3-4 hours.
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.
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 salt water rinse every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 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:
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.
Atlanta Office:
4721 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Ste 301
Atlanta, GA 30338-6000
770-396-8860 O 770-395-6546 FAX