AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid Rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
Do not rinse your mouth.
- Elevate your head when lying down.
- Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes
- Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
Call the office if bleeding persists.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurence after surgery. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 10 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 12-24 hours after surgery.
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids. A soft diet and plenty of liquids are recommended on the day of the surgery. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing so we recommend returning 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 anesthesia 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 tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should 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. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
Please contact the office with any questions you may have.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
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 Do not brush the surgical site. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.
Dressing
The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. You should avoid exercise and heavy lifting for 3 days after your procedure. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you may not be taking normal nourishment. This can 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 and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.
Smoking
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at