Having teeth removed is rarely a pleasant experience, but that does not mean you will be in pain long after the appointment is over. In fact, many people return to their daily activities relatively quickly after extractions.
If you are undergoing multiple extractions in one dental visit, you may want to know what is normal and what is considered abnormal before you make it to the dentist's chair. This guide will help you understand the norm.
What's Normal?
Some bleeding is normal after a dental extraction, especially if multiple teeth are involved. Placing a gauze pad over the area should resolve many of the issues you have. Apply pressure with your teeth to stop the flow of blood. Take it easy for the next few days, avoiding exercise that could encourage blood flow. Multiple extractions provide a reason to lie in bed with a few pillows to keep your head elevated while you rest.
You might also feel some pain and swelling near your mouth. It is normal to place an ice pack or cold compress against the area for a few minutes throughout the day. You can also use an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol, to lessen the pain. If the dentist suspects you will have severe pain, he or she will prescribe something stronger. Take it only as advised.
You may also have several teeth taken out at once in anticipation of another procedure, like a denture or veneer insertion. If this is the case, you may also notice changes in the surrounding teeth. For example, the dentist may have shaped or smoothed down part of the tooth. This is normal if you have another procedure coming up.
What's Abnormal?
While some blood is normal, you should be concerned if bleeding continues for long periods of time. If you feel lightheaded because of blood loss, you should receive medical attention. You might be losing too much blood.
It is abnormal to experience so much pain that you are unable to eat. You should be able to eat soft foods, like applesauce or oatmeal, for the first day or so after the extraction. Intense pain or swelling should be reported to your dentist.
If you suspect that something is wrong, you should consult with your dentist right away. Call your dentist to express your concerns, or turn to an emergency hotline if you think something else is happening that could turn into a medical emergency.
