After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will 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 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 after 30 minutes, bite on a fresh gauze as follows: dampen the gauze so that it is moist (not wet) and fold it twice. Place the dampened gauze on the bleeding area of the wound for another 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. A small amount of continued blood, which tinges the saliva, is expected during the first 24 hours and does not require further pressure. If profuse bleeding restarts after it has stopped, use gauze pressure again or consider gently biting on a dry tea bag placed over the extraction site for 30 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop despite repeated attempts as above, or if you have any questions or concerns, please call our office Fantuzzo - Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, P.L.L.C. Phone Number 585-737-6973 for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling which maximizes 48-72 hours after your procedure 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 as follows: 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off, then repeat, for the first 36 hours. Keep your head elevated with 2 or 3 pillows when lying down during the first 48-72 hours. This will reduce bleeding, swelling & improve your overall level of comfort. You may apply Vaseline or Chap-stick to the lips to keep them moist.

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. Do not chew over the surgical area until you are advised that it is ok to do so.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets (400-600 mg) may be taken every four to six hours as needed for pain. Do not exceed 3000 mg of Tylenol or 3400 mg  of ibuprofen 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 medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Do not make important decisions while on narcotics.

Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists or increases, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. 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 (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, 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 occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in 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 for at least 10 days and up to three weeks, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation, unless you are told that it is OK to do so.