Multiple Extractions

Recovering from multiple tooth extractions requires attentive care to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Oral Surgery + of Baton Rouge offers these detailed instructions to help you navigate your recovery with ease.

Immediately After Surgery

1. Managing Bleeding
   • Use Gauze: Firmly bite down on the gauze pads placed over the extraction areas for 30 to 45 minutes. Change them as needed if bleeding continues.
   • No Spitting or Rinsing: Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw during the first 24 hours to protect the blood clots from being dislodged.
2. Handling Pain
   • Pain Relief: Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort.
   • Cold Compress: Use an ice pack on your cheeks—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off—during the first day to help with swelling and discomfort.

First 24 Hours

1. Resting
   • Limit Activity: Rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid physical exertion, lifting, or bending to help minimize bleeding and swelling.
2. Eating and Drinking
   • Soft Diet: Stick to soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and broths for the first day.
   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of liquids, avoiding hot drinks and straws.
3. Mouth Care
   • No Brushing or Rinsing: Hold off on brushing, rinsing, or using mouthwash during the first 24 hours.
   • Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke, as it can delay healing and raise the risk of complications.

After 24 Hours

1. Oral Care
   • Rinse Gently: Begin using a warm saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) 3–4 times a day, particularly after meals.
   • Resume Brushing: Start brushing your teeth again, but avoid the surgical sites to prevent irritation.
2. Food Choices
   • Keep to Soft Foods: Continue eating soft foods for several days, and slowly reintroduce solid foods as you feel comfortable.
   • Avoid Trigger Foods: Stay away from spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods until healing is complete.
3. Pain and Swelling Control
   • Continue Pain Relief: Keep taking pain medications as directed if needed.
   • Warm Compress: After the first day, switch to a warm compress to ease lingering swelling and soreness.

Monitoring Your Recovery

1. Swelling and Bruising
   • Expected Healing: Swelling and bruising may peak 2–3 days after surgery and then gradually improve over the following week.
2. Bleeding
   • Light Bleeding: Minor oozing is normal. If heavier bleeding occurs, place fresh gauze and bite down for 30 minutes. Contact us if it doesn’t stop.
3. Follow-Up Care
   • Check-Up Appointments: Attend all follow-up visits so we can ensure everything is healing as expected and address any issues.
   • Sutures: If you have stitches, they may dissolve on their own or need to be removed during your follow-up visit.

Potential Complications

1. Dry Socket
   • Warning Signs: If you experience intense pain, bad breath, or a foul taste 3–5 days post-op, contact us as this may be a sign of dry socket.
2. Infection
   • Symptoms to Watch: If pain, swelling, redness, or discharge increases, please reach out as these may indicate infection.
3. Nerve Sensitivity
   • Temporary Numbness: Some numbness in your chin, lips, or tongue is common and should improve over time. Let your surgeon know if it continues.

If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact Oral Surgery + of Baton Rouge. Our team is here to help you through every step of your healing journey.