Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, do not disturb the surgical area. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. A metal healing abutment may be visible through the gum tissue. This is normal.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal during the first 24 hours. If bleeding is more significant, place a gauze pad directly over the surgical area and bite with firm, continuous pressure for 30 minutes.

If bleeding remains heavy or your mouth is rapidly filling with blood despite firm pressure, please call our office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is normal after surgery. To help minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the cheek near the surgical area for approximately 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, as often as comfortable, during the first 24 to 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids after surgery. Avoid very hot foods and liquids on the day of surgery. Soft foods and liquids are recommended initially.

Gradually advance your diet as tolerated, but avoid hard or crunchy foods and avoid chewing directly on the surgical area until your surgeon advises that it is appropriate.

Pain

Some discomfort is normal following dental implant surgery. If you are able to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), good options include one of the following:

Aleve (naproxen): 1-2 over-the-counter tablets every 12 hours
Advil (ibuprofen 200 mg): up to 3 tablets every 6 hours

Choose either ibuprofen or naproxen. Do not take both together.

If you are able to take NSAIDs, use one of the above options on a scheduled basis for the first 3 days following surgery, even if discomfort is mild. Staying ahead of postoperative discomfort often provides better pain control.

If ibuprofen or naproxen alone is inadequate, you may add 1-2 Regular Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen 325 mg each) every 6 hours.

If you are unable to take NSAIDs, 1 Extra Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen 500 mg), or 1-2 Regular Strength Tylenol (325 mg each), every 6 hours is often sufficient when started before the local anesthetic wears off.

Be aware that acetaminophen is also contained in many prescription pain medications and over-the-counter cold and flu products. Do not take additional acetaminophen without considering the total amount you are taking from all medications. If your surgeon has prescribed or recommended a different pain medication regimen, follow those instructions.

Antibiotics

If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as directed by your surgeon. Please contact our office if you have questions or develop a reaction or other problem while taking the medication.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is important for healing. On the night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex (chlorhexidine) oral rinse before bed. Beginning the day after surgery, use Peridex twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out.

Warm salt-water rinses (approximately one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) may also be used four to five times daily, especially after meals.

You may brush your teeth and healing abutments, but be gentle around the surgical areas initially.

Activity

Limit strenuous physical activity immediately after surgery. Exercise can increase throbbing, swelling, or bleeding. Gradually return to your usual activities as you feel able. If activity causes increased throbbing or bleeding, stop and allow additional time to recover.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be worn only as directed by your surgeon or restorative dentist.