Post-Operative Care Following Multiple Tooth Extractions

Online, June 11, 2013 (Newswire.com) - At their Lynbrook Dental Office sometimes the Dental Associates of Long Island find that tooth extractions are necessary. There can be a variety of reasons for this from infection to physical damage to the tooth. At times multiple teeth need to be extracted from a patient, when this happens a lot more needs to be done to help in recovery.

As with a single tooth extraction after surgery patients need rest.It is highly recommended that patients be driven home by a family member or friend due to anesthesia used during the procedure. Some bleeding following surgery is to be expected and gauze will be applied following surgery to absorb the blood. It is likely that the gauze will need to be changed when it is soaked. Bleeding for longer than 24 hours is unusual and will require attention. When home it is very important to rest but not to lie flat as lying flat can prolong the bleeding. Patients should keep their heads propped up on a pillow when lying down. Pain following any surgery is to be expected. Dentists will prescribe pain medication, which should be taken only as directed. An ice pack can also help with the pain and reduce swelling.

Eating and drinking after extraction is limited. For several days following surgery patients are limited to soft foods. Anything that can be eaten without chewing is generally okay. For example: gelatin, pudding, togurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and thin soups. When drinking straws are to be avoided. The sucking motion can loosen sutures and slow the clotting process. Smoking can also cause complications and slow recovery and should be avoided.

When more than one or two teeth are extracted much more is required for long term recovery. Extracting multiple teeth requires that the jawbone be shaped and removed to prepare for a denture. Following a multiple tooth extraction procedure patients may experience some of the following:

Within two days, patients will experience the maximum swelling both inside the mouth and possibly around the eye as well. The area around the patient's eye may also become discolored, which may be alleviated by a warm compress. The muscles near the extraction site may become sore after surgery, causing a sore throat. This is normal as well as the corners of the mouth becoming dry and cracked from being stretched open during surgery. In most cases the patient will have a follow up appointment with their dentist within 48 hours after surgery to discuss any post surgery symptoms that they are experiencing.

If the patient experiences prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or are concerned at all that the extraction site is not healing properly, then it is strongly recommended that they contact their dentist to schedule a follow up. For more information about post-operative care and multiple tooth extractions visit us at Dental Associates of Long Island.