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. 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. Bleeding and oozing from the surgical site can often be controlled by biting and maintaining firm pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30-45 minutes. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) is abnormal. 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 36 hours. Additionally, keeping your head elevated (such as sleeping in a recliner or with multiple pillows) can help minimize swelling.

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

You should begin taking pain medication prior to when the local anesthetic wears off. To help stay ahead of the pain, take a dose (400-600 mg) of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.). You should repeat the ibuprofen every 6 hours with food, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Do not take ibuprofen if you have chronic kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or have been instructed not to take ibuprofen by your medical doctor(s). If your prescription pain medication does not have Tylenol in it, you may also take two tablets (500mgx2) of extra-strength Tylenol every 8 hours for a total of 3000mg in a 24hr period. Speak to Drs. Yazbak or Mills if you have liver disease, as you may require a reduction in Tylenol dose. Consult our practice for individuals under 18 or if there is uncertainty regarding dosing. 

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 or increases dramatically several days after surgery, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Do NOT stop your antibiotic regimen early, as this may lead to an infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or any other unfavorable reaction and contact our office immediately. Call the office if you have any questions.

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 gently rinse for at least 30 seconds then let it fall out (do not spit). 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.

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.

Rediscover Confidence and Oral Health with Dental Implants

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