After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant placement, 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 gum tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding area 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 continuously 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 directed otherwise.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate discomfort, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours.  Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.  Do not take both the over-the-counter medication and the prescribed pain mediation at the same time.  Do not drive or work around machinery.  Avoid alcohol. The discomfort will subside more and more every day. 

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 Peridex Oral Rinse before bed on the night of surgery. The day after surgery, use the Peridex twice a day, after breakfast and before bed.  Rinse for at least 30 seconds and 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 gently.  

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. 

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, full dentures or flippers should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days.