After Dental Implant Placement

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. 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 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 12 to 24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Warm soft food and liquids may be added the following days. Return to a normal diet after being directed to do so by the doctor.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication before, or as soon as you feel the local anesthetic starting to wearing off. For moderate pain, healthy adults may take both Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol or APAP). Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2 tablets may be taken every every 3 hours, not to exceed 3200 mg in a 24 hour period. Acetaminophen comes in 325 mg tablets: 1 tablet may be taken every every 3 hours, not to exceed 4000 mg in a 24 hour period. You may take the two medications at the same time. Consult our practice for individuals under 18.

For severe pain, the prescribed medications should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not take more than 4000 mg in a 24 hour period, of combined Acetaminophen, Tylenol, and/or APAP containing medication (often found in narcotics and many over the counter medications). 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

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. 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 gently spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) may be used as well, 4-5 times a day , especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. 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.