After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid 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 direct pressure with 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, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice intermittently (20minutes on, 20 minutes off), 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 chewing in areas away from the surgery site(s). Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg pain medications can be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

If indicated, be sure to take any prescribed antibiotics as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Gentle water rinses should be used on the day of surgery. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can be used at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments (protective cap on implant) is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas. If prescribed, an antimicrobial rinse, Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. No eating, rinsing, or drinking for at least 30 minutes after the use of Peridex.

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 if you are not taking normal nourishment, this may limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may be used immediately after surgery if any indicated adjustments are made. This can be discussed and arrangements made preoperatively.