Following dental implant surgery, it is important to avoid disturbing the wound. On the day of your procedure, avoid touching it, rinsing your mouth, or spitting.
Bleeding
It is very normal to experience some minor bleeding or red saliva for the first 24 hours following your surgery. If you have excessive bleeding, bite down on a piece of gauze for half an hour. Ensure that the gauze pad is placed directly over the incision site. If bleeding persists or cannot be controlled, contact our office.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after any kind of surgery. The best way to control swelling is by applying ice to the side of the face where the implants have been placed. For the first 36 hours after surgery, use ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while you are awake.
Diet
Following the placement of dental implants, you will want to get plenty of liquid intake. Avoid hot foods and beverages. On the day of surgery, stick to soft foods and liquids, then advance to a normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
Pain
We recommend that patients begin taking their pain medications as soon as they notice the effects of the anesthesia wearing off.
If you experience mild to moderate pain, you may take one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol, or two to three 200 mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) tablets every three to four hours.
For more severe pain, take the pain medications that are prescribed by your surgeon, and use them as directed.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can help prevent infection, so make sure you take them as directed. Contact us directly if you have any questions.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is an important part of the healing process. On the night of your surgery, use the Peridex Oral Rinse before bed, if prescribed. The day after surgery, use Peridex twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. 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 four or five times a day, especially after meals.
Brush your teeth and the healing abutments like normal. Be gentle when brushing the surgical areas.
Activity
The day after your surgery, we advise keeping physical activity to a minimum. Physical activity may result in bleeding or throbbing. Also, keep in mind that, following surgery, you may not have your normal level of nourishment, which means that exercise may weaken you or cause lightheadedness.
Wearing Your Prosthesis
Follow the directions provided by Dr. Ivey or your general dentist regarding your prosthesis. Some patients can wear their prostheses immediately following surgery, and others cannot. This will help promote your recovery. If you have any questions, reach out to our office directly.
