After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal (Titanium) healing abutment or collar protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue. This the healing collar that has been attached to the underlying implant fixture.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 to 48 hours. Control excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) by biting on a gauze pad for 30 minutes. If excessive 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 continuously, 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. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

Children: For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are a good choice. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For more severe pain, you may take the prescribed pain medication.

Adults: For mild to moderate pain, one or two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol) may be taken every 4 to 6 hours. Two to three (200 mg) tablets of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every 6 to 8 hours.

For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Surgical pain and discomfort will generally start to subside 3 to 5 days from your surgery

Antibiotics

Be sure to take any prescribed antibiotics as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Use the prescribed chlorhexidine oral rinse as instructed. Apply the chlorhexidine rinse to the implant surgery site/implant collar using a saturated cotton ball or swab. This should be done 2-3 times a day. Start the evening of implant placement. Warm salt-water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Be gentle, initially, with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Refrain from strenuous activities for approximately 1 week.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may be used immediately after surgery as instructed by the surgeon. In most cases you are able to place these in your mouth immediately; however, in some instances you will be advised not to wear your prosthesis following implant placement.

It is very important that the flipper or denture does NOT put pressure on the implant(s). There should be NO CONTACT with the implant. Avoid chewing directly on the implant during the healing process.