Dental Implant Surgery
After Placement of Dental Implants
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid scrubbing, licking, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. Gingival (gum) tissue can be inserted from a metal treatment abutment.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding or red saliva for about 24 hours is normal. Excessive bleeding (rapidly filling your mouth with blood) can be prevented by holding a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes If bleeding is significant, call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. Place an ice pack, or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice, on the nose in the surgical area to reduce swelling. Apply as much as possible for the first 36 hours, on and off for 20 minutes. Instead of placing the bag directly on your skin, place a paper towel or damp cloth between your skin and the ice pack.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft foods and liquids should be consumed the day of surgery. Unless instructed otherwise, return as soon as possible to your regular diet.
Pain
You should start taking painkillers as soon as you feel the local anesthetic has worn off. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken every 6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of acetominophen. Regular strength ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. Observe the directions on the bottle at all times.Medication prescribed for severe pain should be taken exactly as directed.
Do not take any of the above medications if you do not like them, or if your doctor has told you not to. Do not drive or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. After surgery, pain and discomfort should gradually go away each day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.
Antibiotics
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Beginning the day following surgery, warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least four to five times a day. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas. Do not use an electric toothbrush until cleared by your doctor to do so.
Activity
Reduce physical activity immediately after surgery. If you exercise, you may experience swelling or bleeding. If this happens, stop exercising. Keep in mind that you may not be drinking enough good food. This further limits your weakness and ability to exercise.
Wearing your Prosthesis
Partial dentures, doors, or full teeth should not be placed immediately after surgery for at least 10 days, as described in the preoperative counseling, unless otherwise indicated specifically that it is not.
