Post Implant Surgery

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

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 placed directly on the bleeding wound for 45-60 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 intermittently while awake for the first 48 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

If you received a prescription for a pain medication or antibiotic, it is best to begin taking the medication before the local anesthesia wears off. Be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics (if prescribed) as directed. Take the pain medication according to the directions on an as-needed basis after the surgery.

For moderate pain, Ibuprofen, (Motrin or Advil) two-four 200mg tablets (400-800mg total) may be taken every 6-8 hours.

For severe pain, take the prescription medication(s) as directed.

The prescription pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Discoloration

In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal postoperative occurence, which may occur 2-3 days postoperatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. If a Peridex rinse is prescribed, begin using it the night of the surgery 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 (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, 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 (unless you have been instructed otherwise) and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.