After Placement of Dental Implants
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. In Some cases, there will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue. Call our office if you have any questions, (518) 682-6400.
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 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, as much as possible, for the first 72 hours.
Diet – Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food for the first 2-3 days. Liquids and soft foods should be consumed on the first 2-3 days after surgery (favor the unaffected side if possible). Return to a normal diet after 2-3 days unless otherwise directed.
Pain – Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You will usually have a prescription for pain medication. If you take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off, you should be able to better manage post-operative pain. If you do not achieve adequate relief at first with the non-narcotic pain medications, you may supplement with the narcotic medication if prescribed. Some patients find that narcotic pain medicine causes nausea, but if you precede each pain pill with a small amount of food, chances for nausea will be reduced. The effects of pain medications vary widely among individuals. Alternating medications is typically more effective than taking both at the same time. Make sure to take prescribed pain medication as directed. Do not drive an automobile or operate heavy machinery while taking narcotic medications. No alcoholic beverages should be consumed while taking these medications
Antibiotics – Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
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 performed at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas. Please avoid using an electric toothbrush over the implant area until the final implant restoration has been placed.
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 – Partial dentures and flippers can be worn immediately after surgery. These prosthetics do not need to be worn and can be left out, outside of social situations. If retention allows, complete dentures should be worn around the clock for the first 24-48 hours. They will be removed by your restorative dentist at the time of initial adjustment. Excluding the first 24-48 hours of complete denture wear, all prosthetics should be removed at bedtime.