Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery
After dental implant surgery, do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There might be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice, on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. 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 before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily. If you are unable to take Ibuprofen, take one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol following the recommended dosing instructions on the bottle. For individuals under 18, follow the recommended pediatric dosing instructions.
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. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every 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 Peridex should be used twice daily; after brushing teeth in the morning and at night. 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 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments if they were placed. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, 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.
Sutures
Sutures are placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and to help healing. Sometimes they become dislodged. This is no cause for concern. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it. Although the sutures are dissolvable, they may remain and can be removed at your post-operative check-up (usually 7 – 14 days after your surgery).
Wearing your Prosthesis
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, should not be used immediately after surgery. They can be used minimally for the first 30 days, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation.