After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. Depending on the patient and the operation there may 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 rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call the Doctor for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery and depending on the type of surgery may take 2-3 days to reach a peak. 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 24 hours and after 24hrs switch to warm heat as needed.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery and may be required for up to 7 days. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed and as tolerated.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off after having some food. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. Do not take the two medications at the same time, and it may provide improved pain control by alternating those medications as prescribed by your surgeon.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Are typically not warranted in healthy patients for typical Oral and Maxillofacial procedures, such as third molar removal.  Each patient is treated individually and may be prescribed antibiotics if the medical conditions indicate.

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. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.  The peridex provides a thin layer over the tissues and implant to protect from bacterial contamination and it will not be uncommon to have a change in taste or some staining of the tissues of the mouth.

Activity

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

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, should not be used immediately after surgery for at least 10 days, if discussed in the pre-operative consultation.  Every attempt will be made to adjust the prosthesis to allow you to wear the appliance.