After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue. Do not chew or apply pressure with your tongue or finger to the exposed metal healing abutment until cleared to do so by your Doctor.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes while sitting upright. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first 48 hours.

Arnica

Arnica has been used for medical purposes since the 1500’s and remains popular today. Microdoses are used to make homeopathic Arnica. Although research studies are conflicting, Arnica has shown to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of bruising. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft, cool to warm foods and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

For mild pain, ibuprofen (i.e. Advil) or acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) may be taken. For moderate pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. If you are taking narcotic pain medicine, do not drive an automobile, work around machinery or make important decisions, as reflexes and judgment are impaired. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside with each successive day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The day after surgery, the prescribed antiseptic rinse (i.e. Perioguard, Listerine, Crest Pro Health, etc.) should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt-water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least four to five times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth with the healing abutments is not a problem. Be gentle initially when brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

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

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery until appropriately adjusted.