After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice bag or a bag of frozen peas, on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice one half hour on, one half hour off, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Avoid hot liquids or food. Cool liquids and soft foods are desirable for several days. Avoid chewing on the side where your implant was placed. 

Discomfort

A very good method to manage post-operative discomfort and inflammation involves alternating doses of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).  We recommend taking 400 mg of ibuprofen followed two hours later by 650 mg of acetaminophen followed two hours later by 400 mg of ibuprofen, and so on.  An example of this: take 400 mg of ibuprofen at 8:00 a.m., then 650 mg of acetaminophen at 10:00 a.m., then 400 mg of ibuprofen at 12:00 noon, then 400 mg of acetaminophen at 2:00 p.m. and so on.  If taking prescription medication for discomfort, the prescription pill would take the place of the acetaminophen (Tylenol) doses.  The schedule would then be 400 mg of ibuprofen at 8:00 a.m., prescription at 10:00 a.m., and so on.  DO NOT take acetaminophen if you are sensitive/allergic to it or have liver disease.  DO NOT take ibuprofen if you are taking blood thinners or an aspirin on a daily basis.  DO NOT take ibuprofen if you are sensitive/allergic or if you take other anti-inflammatory medications daily.  The maximum dose of ibuprofen is 2400 mg in a 24 hour time frame

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 water rinses should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brush your teeth. Be gentle initially while brushing near the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum the day of surgery.  We do not have any restrictions of activity after that.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, should not be used immediately after surgery. Do not chew with your partial denture, denture or flipper some time, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation. These can be worn “for show” but not to chew with.