After dental implant surgery.

Don't disturb the wound

Avoid scrubbing, licking, or touching the surgical site on the day of surgery. Tissue may have been placed around a metal abutment — leave it alone.

Bleeding

Some minor bleeding or red-tinged saliva is normal for about 24 hours. If it gets heavier, apply firm pressure with a gauze pad for 30 minutes. Call us if it doesn't settle.

Swelling

Swelling is normal. Apply ice packs to the side of your nose and the surgical area for the first 36 hours, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Place a paper towel between your skin and the ice.

Diet

• →Drink plenty of fluids
• →Avoid hot liquids and food
• →Stick to soft foods and liquids on surgery day
• →Return to normal eating as soon as you comfortably can

Pain management

• →Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 1–2 tablets every 6 hours
• →Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin): 2–3 tablets (200mg each) up to four times daily — not exceeding 3,200mg per day for adults
• →Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed
• →Do not drive or operate machinery while on prescription pain medication
• →Avoid alcohol

Antibiotics

Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed — finish the full course even if you feel better.

Oral hygiene

Starting the day after surgery, rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt per cup) 4–5 times a day. Brush gently around the implant site, and avoid electric toothbrushes until cleared.

Activity

Take it easy for the first few days. Strenuous exercise can cause swelling or bleeding — if that happens, stop and rest. Eat well and hydrate to support healing.

Wearing prosthetics

Don't insert partial dentures, bridges, or full dentures for at least 10 days after surgery — unless we've told you otherwise during your pre-op consultation.