After Dental Implant Surgery
Do not disturb the area where the implant was placed. On the day of the surgery, we recommend that you avoid touching the area, rinsing, or spitting. You will notice there is a metal abutment protruding through your gum tissue – this is to help the wound heal properly.
Bleeding
You may notice some moderate bleeding and redness in your mouth and saliva for the first 24 hours after your dental implant surgery. If you experience excessive bleeding (mouth filling with blood), you can control this by gently biting on a gauze pad placed over the wound for 30 minutes. If this excessive bleeding continues, please call our office for instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after you’ve had dental implant surgery. To minimize this, we recommend you place an ice pack, or a bag or towel filled with ice on the cheek over the implant site. You can apply the ice continuously, or as much as possible, for the first 36 hours after surgery.
Diet
Hydration is an important element to your recovery, and you should drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. Avoid swishing, spitting, or drinking through a straw, as these can cause more bleeding. You should also avoid hot food and liquids during this initial healing time. On the day of your surgery, we recommend that you eat only soft food and liquids. After this, you can return to your regular diet unless otherwise directed.
Pain
As soon as your anesthetic begins to wear off you should begin taking pain medication. If you are experiencing moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol can be taken every 3-4 hours. If you prefer, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken instead. Ibuprofen bought over-the-counter comes in 200 mg tablets; 2-3 tablets can be taken every 3-4 hours.
If you are in severe pain, take the medication prescribed by Dr. Davies as directed. This pain medication may make you feel drowsy or groggy. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery while taking them. Avoid alcoholic beverages. The pain or discomfort after surgery should become less each day. If the pain persists or becomes worse, it may require attention and you should call the office.
If you are allergic to any of the above medications or have otherwise been instructed not to, do not take them.
Antibiotics
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. It is crucial that you complete the entire prescription, as directed, even if you feel well. Only discontinue in the event of a rash or other reaction. If you have questions, please call our office.
Oral Hygiene
In order to heal properly, it is important for you to maintain good oral hygiene. Before bed on the night of the surgery, use the Peridex Oral Rinse that is prescribed to you. Beginning the day after the surgery, use the Peridex twice per day – after breakfast and before bed. Make sure that you are rinsing for at least 30 seconds and then gently spit it out.
Additionally, warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) should be used 4-5 times daily. This is especially important after meals to remove debris from your teeth and gums.
You should be able to brush and floss regularly, but we recommend brushing the surgical areas gently at first.
Activity
We recommend that you keep physical activities to a minimum right after surgery. Some exercises may cause the surgical areas to throb or bleed. If this occurs, discontinue the exercise. You should also keep in mind that you will likely not be fully nourished while on a restricted diet immediately following surgery, which may leave you feeling weaker and limit your exercise ability.
Wearing your Prosthesis
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be worn for at least the first 10 days after surgery. This information is also included in the pre-operative consultation.