After Placement of Dental Implants

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 up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for about 9 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 12-18 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Soft food should only be eaten while the area is numb immediately after surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. Generally, wide opening and normal chewing is very beneficial to the healing process.

Pain

You must eat first every time before taking any medication for discomfort. You should begin taking medication for discomfort before the local anesthetic wears off. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. As an alternative,1 or 2 Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours.For severe pain, the prescribed medication may be taken as directed, but these medications commonly cause nausea and vomiting and are very rarely taken by our patients. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. You may drive while taking the Ibuprofen, but you must not drive within 6 hours of taking the prescription medication.

Antibiotics

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Avoid the surgical area while brushing your other teeth away from the surgery for several days. Very warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. After several days gentle brushing at the surgical site and the healing abutments is no problem.

Activity

All but the most extreme physical activities are acceptable following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding would be a sign to lighten up. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that your nutrition may be compromised during this time. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

The use of partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures immediately after surgery can cause problems. Please ask for individualized guidance in this area. Recommendations vary from patient to patient and are very important to the success of your case.