Dental Implant Aftercare
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.
Instructions
It’s important to follow the instructions below to ensure proper healing following your implant procedure.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound 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, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Stick to soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication when the local anesthetic wears off. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 3 grams (3000 mg) daily for an adult. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3,200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18.
For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your doctor not to take them. 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 the pain persists, it may require attention, and you should call the office.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to healing. The day after surgery, if you were given Peridex, it 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 (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 2-4 times a day, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this happens, you should discontinue exercising. Remember that you are probably not eating as much, which may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.
Questions?
After a few days, you should feel fine and be able to resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
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