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.

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 ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice on and off for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot. hard, acidic and spicy food until the affected areas are healed. 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 your numbness subsides. Take prescribed medications as indicated per your instructions.

If Ibuprofen is prescribed, please take 800mg every 6 hours not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. If the pain is greater than 6 out of 10, please take narcotics as prescribed. Usually hydrocodone/Tylenol 5mg/325 is given.  Please take 1 tablet every 6 hours.  Consult your doctor for individuals under 12 years of age.

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 peaks third day after surgery and then should subside thereafter. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office. If you experience nausea or constipation, please contact the doctor right away.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. If you are prescribed Amoxicillin 500mg, please take 1 capsule every 8 hours for seven days or otherwise as your doctor prescribed.  If you are prescribed Zpack, please take as directed by your team.  Using probiotics while take antibiotics decreases risk of yeast infections as well as colon inflammation. If you are taking oral contraceptives, please be aware the antibiotics may make the contraceptive inactive for the next four weeks. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or any other unfavorable reaction and contact our office/doctor immediately. 

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.  Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 3-4 times a day, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas. Q-tips may be used to clean around the healing abutments while the gums are healing.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Excessive exercise may worsen the throbbing or bleeding. 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

Please follow the recommendations of your dentist or surgeon post surgery.