After Placement of Dental Implants

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad or tea bag placed directly on the bleeding wound and resting with the head elevated for 60 minutes. If bleeding continues 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 off as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. 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 you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.  For mild to moderate pain, you may take over-the-counter medicine as needed.  For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed (do not combine with Tylenol). Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking pain medication. Due to current federal law, most narcotic prescriptions can no longer be called in on weekends or evenings.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.  Antibiotics may decrease oral contraceptive effectiveness.  Those taking birth control pills should contact their physician.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. 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.

For Your Own Safety

Do not drive, operate machinery, or sign any important or legal documents for 24 hours following intravenous anesthesia.  Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures can be used immediately after surgery in certain situations. This will be discussed in the pre-operative consultation and reviewed during your post-operative instructions.  Failure to carefully follow instructions regarding wear of a prosthesis can lead to significant post-operative complications.