After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.  Take the pain medication prescribed as directed.  The local anesthetic administered with the general anesthetic during your surgery normally has a 3-hour duration, and it may be difficult to control the pain once the anesthetic wears off.  We therefore, advise you to take the pain medication immediately after your surgery.  If you do not achieve adequate pain relief, you may supplement each pill with an analgesic such as Advil or Ibuprofen.  Taking the pain medication with soft food and a large volume of water will lessen any side effects such as nausea or stomach upset.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.  The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed.  Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out, with nothing to eat or drink for 30 minutes after. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 3-4 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may be used immediately after surgery. They will be adjusted at the time of surgery by the doctor.  If discomfort is present further adjustment may be required.  If your prosthesis is causing pain do not wear it and call the office immediately.