Following dental implant surgery, you must avoid disturbing the wound. On the day of your procedure, avoid touching it, rinsing your mouth, or spitting.
Bleeding
Some minor bleeding or red saliva for the first 24 hours following implant placement is normal. If you have excessive bleeding, bite down on a piece of gauze for half an hour. Ensure that the gauze pad is placed directly over the incision site. If bleeding persists or cannot be controlled, contact our office.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after any surgery. The best way to control swelling is by applying ice to the side of the face where the implants have been placed. For the first 36 hours after surgery, continuously use ice while awake.
Diet
Following the placement of dental implants, you will want to get plenty of liquid intakes. Avoid hot foods and beverages. On the day of surgery, stick to soft foods and liquids, then advance to a normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
Pain
We recommend that patients begin taking their pain medications as soon as they notice the effects of the anesthesia wearing off.
If you experience mild to moderate pain, you may take one or two tablets of Tylenol or two to three 200 mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) tablets every three to four hours. Take the pain medications that your surgeon prescribes as directed for severe pain.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can help prevent infection, take them as directed. Contact us directly if you have any questions.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is an essential part of the healing process. On the night of your surgery, use any prescribed oral rinses before bed. The day after surgery, use that rinse after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should also be used four or five times a day, especially after meals.
Brush your teeth and the healing abutments like normal. Be gentle when brushing the surgical areas.
Activity
The day after your surgery, we advise keeping physical activity to a minimum to prevent bleeding or throbbing. Also, remember that you may not have your normal level of nourishment following surgery, which means that exercise may weaken you or cause lightheadedness.
Wearing Your Prosthesis
Do not use partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures after surgery and for at least 10 days. This will help promote your recovery. If you have any questions, reach out to our office directly.