After Placement of Dental Implants

After Placement of Dental Implants, do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will sometimes be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 12-24 hours. Bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes which can be repeated as needed for several hours. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. This can occur within the first 1-3 days following surgery which then begins to subside. To minimize swelling apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice, on the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 24 hours. 20min on and then 20min off is an example of how to apply the ice to your face to help reduce swelling after surgery.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hot foods. 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

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: Up to 4 tablets may be taken every 6 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics, if you were given this medication by your Surgeon, as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, if given use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily; after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 60 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) may be used at least 4-5 times a day as well if directed, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments if exposed at the time of surgery. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise too early after surgery, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, can be used immediately after surgery. Remember to bring them with you to the procedure so your Surgeon can make sure they fit properly following your surgery.