Post-Operative Care
Full Mouth Extraction Recovery
Full mouth extraction is a significant procedure requiring careful post-operative management. Following these comprehensive instructions will ensure optimal healing and comfort.
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Immediate Post-Operative Care
First 24 Hours
- •Bite firmly on gauze pads for 45-60 minutes to control bleeding from multiple sites
- •Change gauze every 30 minutes if oozing continues
- •Apply ice packs to face (external): 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- •Keep head elevated, even while sleeping (use 2-3 pillows)
- •Take prescribed pain medication BEFORE numbness wears off
- •Do NOT rinse, spit forcefully, or use straws - risk to all healing sites
- •Expect swelling to begin immediately and increase over 24-48 hours
- •If dentures were provided: Start wearing after 48 hours of initial healing
Peak Swelling & Initial Healing
Days 2-5
- •Maximum swelling expected days 2-3, will gradually decrease after day 3
- •Begin gentle warm salt water rinses after 24 hours (1/2 tsp salt in 8oz warm water)
- •Continue ice therapy for swelling management - especially important with full mouth work
- •Switch to heat therapy after 48 hours (warm compress to face helps circulation)
- •Liquid diet only: protein shakes, broths, smoothies, nutritional supplements
- •Take all medications as prescribed - don't skip doses
- •Sleep elevated to minimize swelling overnight
- •Monitor all extraction sites for proper clotting
- •Denture adjustment appointment may be needed if comfort is affected
Transition & Progressive Healing
Week 2-3
- •Swelling significantly reduced but may persist slightly for weeks
- •Progress to pureed and soft foods as healing allows
- •Begin gentle brushing of non-extraction areas with soft toothbrush
- •Avoid all extraction sites during oral hygiene for 2+ weeks
- •Continue salt water rinses after meals and before bed
- •Stitches may begin to dissolve or are removed at follow-up appointment
- •Jaw stiffness common - gentle opening exercises can help
- •Nutritional support crucial - ensure adequate protein and calories
- •Denture wearers: Gradual increase in wearing time as comfort improves
Advanced Healing & Return to Normal
Week 4+
- •Soft tissue healing mostly complete by week 4, continue bone remodeling
- •Gradually return to normal diet as comfort allows
- •Most swelling resolved, residual changes continue for months
- •Can resume normal oral hygiene including gentle extraction site care
- •Bone healing continues for 3-6 months - complete osseointegration takes time
- •Denture wearers: Bone resorption ongoing - expect denture relines at 3-6 months
- •Continue follow-up appointments as scheduled
- •Normal activities and exercise can resume (check with doctor for strenuous activity)
- •Contact us with any concerns about healing progression