After Placement of Dental Implants
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 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call our office for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, as much as possible for the first 36 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
Unless there is a contraindication (bleeding disorder, kidney disease, stomach problems), you should begin to take Ibuprofen as soon as tolerable – well before the local anesthesia begins to wear off. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) may be taken instead of Ibuprofen, but this should not be combined with the stronger prescribed pain medicine as this medicine already contains Acetaminophen. Ibuprofen may be combined with the stronger prescribed pain medicine as these two medicines act on you body in different ways. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed pain medicine should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to it, or have been instructed by a doctor not to take it.
Antibiotics
If prescribed, be sure to take the antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The day following surgery, gently swish for 30 seconds and expectorate a small amount of Peridex Oral Rinse two to three times a day. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. You may brush your teeth as well as the healing abutment. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas. Warming your toothbrush by rinsing it in hot water will make it softer.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, a throbbing sensation 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 your body and further limit your ability to exercise.
Wearing your Prosthesis
In some cases partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days. Dr. Ericson will discuss this with you in the pre-operative consultation.