After Dental Implant Surgery

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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. It is best to avoid the surgical/implant area during healing.  Your surgeon will determine how long the bone/implant must heal before you can schedule with your dentist.

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 for further instructions. In the unlikely event we are not available, proceed to the nearest emergency room.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply ice in the area of surgery.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and plenty of liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

For moderate pain, 1 or 2 tablets of over-the-counter Ibuprofen, (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every 4-6 hours. A small amount of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken as well. 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. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

For severe pain that does not respond to OTC medications, the prescribed pain medication may be taken. Take the prescribed pain medications only when the ibuprofen and/or tylenol are not working.  Use the prescribed pain medication with extreme caution.  They are sedating and addictive. Keep these drugs away from young children and dispose of appropriately.  Do not keep or share unused narcotic prescriptions. Your local police department will have a safe drop box for discarding unused pain prescriptions. 

Antibiotics

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. If a prescription rinse was recommended (Chlorexidine) it should be used twice daily. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. 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. Brushing your teeth and in the area of the implant  is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be used after surgery as instructed.