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, this is normal.

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 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call the office 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 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, as often as comfortable, for the first 24-36 hours.

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

This is normal following surgical procedures, and the most severe discomfort is usually within the first six (6) hours after the anesthetic wears off. It is our goal to minimize this discomfort. If you are able to, take Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS, such as Ibuprofen or Aleve). Good options include one of the following:

– Over the counter Aleve (Naproxen) –1-2 tablets every 12 hours

– Over the counter Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg) – up to 3 tablets every 6 hours

If able, use one of the above options for the first 3 days following surgery to be taken on a scheduled basis even if little or no pain is experienced. By “staying ahead” of the pain, less overall use of medicine is usually accomplished. If you find the Ibuprofen/Advil or Aleve inadequate, begin using 1-2 regular strength Tylenol (325 mg tablets each) every 6 hours in addition to the Ibuprofen/Advil or Aleve.

If you are unable to take NSAIDS, 1 Extra Strength Tylenol (500mg), or 1-2 Regular Strength Tylenol (325mg each) is often sufficient when started prior to the anesthetic wearing off, and then continued on a schedule every 6 hours.

Antibiotics

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

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 rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt-water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least four to five times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth with the healing abutments is not a problem. Be gentle initially when brushing the surgical areas.

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 you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be worn as directed by your doctor.