Following your dental implant placement, proper care is crucial for optimal healing. Please adhere to these instructions carefully:
To promote undisturbed healing, refrain from touching, rinsing, or spitting on the surgical site for the remainder of the day. A metal healing abutment will be visible, protruding through your gum tissue.
Expect some minor bleeding or redness in your saliva for the first 24 hours. For excessive bleeding (rapid filling of the mouth with blood), apply firm pressure by biting on a gauze pad directly over the bleeding area for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, please contact our office for further guidance.
Swelling is a natural part of the healing process. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel to the cheek in the surgical area. Apply continuously for the first 36 hours.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but avoid hot beverages and foods. Consume soft foods and liquids on the day of surgery, and gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated, unless otherwise directed.
Begin taking pain medication as soon as the local anesthetic wears off. For moderate pain, you may take Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3-4 hours, or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) as an alternative. Over-the-counter Ibuprofen comes in 200mg tablets; take 2-3 tablets up to four times daily, not exceeding 3200mg per day for adults. For patients under 18, please consult our office. Do not combine these medications. For severe pain, take prescribed medication as directed. If you have allergies or contraindications to these medications, or if pain persists, please contact our office. Avoid driving, operating machinery, and consuming alcohol. Pain should gradually decrease each day; persistent pain may require further evaluation.
Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed to prevent infection.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for healing. Begin using the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse the night of surgery before bed. The following day, use Peridex twice daily, after breakfast and before bed, rinsing for 30 seconds before spitting. Use warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 4-5 times daily, especially after meals. Gently brush your teeth and the healing abutments, taking care around the surgical sites.
Minimize physical activity immediately after surgery. Exercise may cause throbbing or bleeding, in which case, discontinue immediately. Remember, your nutritional intake may be reduced, which can weaken you and limit exercise tolerance.
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery for at least 10 days, or as discussed during your pre-operative consultation.
