After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Biting on gauze placed on the surgical site will exert pressure on the wound and will help stop the bleeding. Gently remove the gauze after one hour following surgery. Only replace if you see active bleeding (oozing is normal for the first 24-48 hours). If bleeding does not subside, call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 3-5 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs, they should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes of each waking hour for the first 24 hours following surgery. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. After 24 hours, discontinue icing, switch to a warm compress on the outside of your cheeks, this will help bring blood flow back to the area and aid in comfort. 

Pain

600-800mg of Ibuprofen taken every 6 hours will manage most post-surgical pain (caused by swelling and muscle strain). Alternate the Ibuprofen with either 500-1000mg of Extra Strength Tylenol OR prescribed pain medicine, if given. (Tylenol should not be taken in conjunction with pain medication that contains Tylenol/Acetaminophen. Example: Hydrocodone). Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. The prescribed pain medicine 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 more than 5 days post operation, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Diet

On the day of surgery, only cold, soft foods should be consumed, as anything too warm may increase bleeding. The day after surgery, you may gradually begin eating warm foods. After five days, you can start incorporating more solid foods into your diet, as you feel comfortable. Be sure to chew away from the implant sites. It is essential to maintain a high-calorie, high-protein diet to support recovery. To prevent dehydration, ensure you are consuming fluids regularly. Continued proper nutrition will help you feel better, regain strength, reduce discomfort, and promote faster healing. Implants should not be used as a chewing surface until they have been fully restored with a crown.

Antibiotics

Before surgery, you should have taken 4 antibiotic tablets. No additional doses are required on the day of surgery, but you should resume the prescribed dosage the following day as indicated on the bottle. It is important to take the antibiotics exactly as directed and complete the entire course. If you experience a rash or any signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue the antibiotics and contact our office immediately.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is crucial for proper healing. The sponges provided after surgery should be dipped directly into the prescribed mouth rinse, Peridex, and gently dabbed around the implant site 2-4 times a day during the first week. Avoid brushing the surgical site until you are specifically instructed to do so.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery for 5 days. 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.