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 45-60 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 in 20 minute intervals, as much as possible, for the first 24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. You may begin eating soft food when you can

tolerate it.

Pain

For control of pain take over the counter pain medication. Take prescribed pain medications according to the directions on the bottle. 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.

If prescribed narcotic pain medicine, it will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. 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. Use the prescribed oral rinse as directed. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt to one pint of warm water) may be used starting 24 hours after surgery, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. 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.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Every accommodation will be made to allow you to wear your temporary prosthesis the day of the procedure or soon thereafter. Each case will be considered individually.