After Placement of Dental Implants

For twenty-four (24) hours following surgery, DO NOT spit, rinse or use a straw

Bleeding

Slight oozing from the sockets may last one to two days.  The blood clots will also tinge the saliva causing it to be reddish in color, especially the first 24 hours.  If excessive bleeding occurs, place a moistened gauze pad directly on the bleeding area and close mouth firmly so that pressure is applied.  Replace the gauze approximately every 40 minutes until bleeding has been controlled.

Pain

Pain from surgical procedures in the mouth can be controlled by taking the medications as directed.  Unless otherwise instructed begin the first dose immediately so that the pain medication can be in full effect before the local anesthetic wears off. 

Do not drive for one day after the surgery (if sedated) or as long as you are taking pain medication. 

Ice Packs and Moist Heat

Upon reaching home apply ice packs to the outsie of the face 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off and continue for the next 24 hours.  The height of swelling can be expected on the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery.  If you experience swelling start using moist heat on the 3rd day – NOT BEFORE.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.  Rinse with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 4oz glass of warm water) several times a day for at least a week starting the day after surgery.  Or, if a prescription for Chlorhexidine (Peridex) was written, use as prescribed. 

Diet

Soft foods that can be chewed and swallowed easily may be indicated for the first 24 hours.  Nourishment should be taken regularly.  Try not to miss a single meal, beginning with soups and soft foods, gradually progressing to solid food.  A nutritionally balanced diet is essential for well-being, gaining strength, feeling less pain and more rapid healing.  Most importantly, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Smoking

Do not smoke after surgery: smoking hinders the healing process and can cause complications leading to the failure of implants.

General

If antibiotics are prescribed, finish the entire prescription even if all symptoms of an infection are gone.  The day of surgery, try to keep your head elevated above your feet while resting.  Although uncommon, vomiting may occur for a variety of reasons.  If vomiting does occur, discontinue any pain medication and/or antibiotics prescribed by us and contact our office.  Sutures are often used in most procedures and they dissolve on their own, this occurs from the day after surgery or several days after surgery.

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS SPECIFIC TO YOUR TREATMENT WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU BY OUR STAFF AT THE END OF YOUR SURGERY APPOINTMENT.