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, a plastic bag, or a 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

In almost all instances, patients are given a prescription for pain medication. Prescription pain medications will cause nausea and vomiting when taken on an empty stomach. To avoid nausea, eat a small amount of soft food preceding each pill and then take the pill with a large glass of liquid.

Since many of these prescription drugs cause drowsiness, do not return to work, drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything requiring concentration, for the safety of yourself and others. 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.

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every three to four hours, or ibuprofen ( Motrin or Advil) two-four 200mg tablets may be taken every 4 hours. You should take your first pain medication before the local anesthesia wears off, you will be able to manage any discomfort better.

Antibiotics

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquids as directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

*Note: Antibiotics may alter the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you are taking a birth control medication, you may want to consult your pharmacist.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. On the night of surgery, use the prescribed chlorhexidine oral rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the chlorhexidine rinse 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 (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 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 should not be used as directed by your surgeon.