After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound for one week following the surgery. There maybe a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue or the implant maybe below the gum tissue and not visible.

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 10-15 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, 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 48 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 in approximately 7 days after the surgery.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. 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. Hydrocodone Acetominophen (Vicodin) may be prescribed by our office and is to be taken as per instructions on the prescription. Motrin 800mg may also be prescribed by our office and is also taken per the instructions on the prescription. 

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 while taking the prescription. 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

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed if given.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night before surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day of surgery, the Peridex should be used one hour before the procedure. 24 hours after your surgery, use the rinse 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 with a soft toothbrush. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery for a one week period. If you exercise, 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, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation.