After Placement of Dental Implants

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 gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal. This is generally controlled by keeping steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze placed by the surgical assistant. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and assists in the formation of the clot.  Once home, the pad can be gently removed.  If bleeding persists, place a fresh, folded gauze pad over the area and apply pressure by biting firmly for 30 minutes.  If bleeding continues in spite of the above, moisten a tea bag in cold water and place bag over the area, biting firmly for 30 minutes. Lying down with your head raised on several pillows also helps to stop bleeding. 

Swelling

Ice packs applied for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, will aid in controlling the amount of swelling, but will not prevent it completely.  Swelling will usually peak two to four days after surgery.

 Diet

It is important that you drink plenty of fluids and avoid using a straw.  Water and juices are good choices.  Soft, cool foods such as ice cream, smoothies,  pudding, yogurt, Jell-O, and applesauce should be eaten at meal times, if possible. If swallowing is difficult, meals may have to be eaten five to six times daily in small portions.

 Pain

Begin taking medication as perscribed by your doctor.  It is best to take the inital dose before the anesthetic wears off.  Dont be affraid to use the medication as it is designed to make those first days after surgery more comfortable.  Ibuprofen can also be helpful when used in conjunction with your pain medication for discomfort and swelling.

Antibiotics

If the doctor has perscribed you antibiotics, Be sure to take them  as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to 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 (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.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.