After Dental Implants

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness of the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding ( your mouth fills with blood quickly ) can be controlled by biting on gauze placed directly over the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues to be heavy , please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is normal after surgery. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack , or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice , to the cheek in the area of ​​surgery . Apply ice continuously , as much as possible , for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food . Soft foods and fluids should be consumed on the day of surgery . Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise instructed.

Pain

You should start taking pain relievers as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wear off. For moderate pain, one or two Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol tablets can be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken instead of Tylenol. Over-the-counter ibuprofen comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets can be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200 mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for persons under 18. Do not take both medications at the same time.

For severe pain, prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed not to take them by your doctor. Do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort after surgery should decrease more and more each day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take prescribed antibiotics as directed to prevent infection.

Oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for good healing. The night of surgery , use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery , the Peridex should be used twice daily ; after breakfast and before bed. 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. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas .

Activity

Keep physical activity to a minimum immediately after surgery. If you exercise, you may experience some bruising or bleeding. If this happens, you should stop 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, flippers, or full dentures, should not be used immediately after surgery for at least 10 days, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation.