After Placement of Dental Implants

For optimal healing, it is essential to adhere to the following directions for the first two weeks post-operatively. 

Bleeding

Immediately the following procedure a small amount of bleeding is normal. This is generally controlled by keeping steady pressure on the bleeding area. We ask you to bite firmly on the gauze pad placed by the surgical assistant. Once home, the pad can be gently removed. Should oozing or bleeding continue after surgery, it may be stopped by gently biting on a roll of moist gauze for thirty (30) minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after doing this, our office should be contacted.

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 outside of the cheek in the area of surgery. Applying ice for 30 minutes on, then 30 minutes off, will aid in controlling swelling for the first 24 hours, but will not prevent it completely. An elevated headrest (extra pillow) should be used during the first two nights of rest post-operatively to also help reduce swelling.

Diet

Only liquids (gelatin, pudding, soup, applesauce, ice cream yogurt, etc.) are advised during the first two days following surgery in order to avoid food particles from lodging in the wound. Semi-liquid foods (mashed potatoes, pancakes, eggs, soft pasta, etc.) may be added to the diet on the third day. You may resume a normal diet after the first week. Avoid crunchy, hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and chips for one week following surgery. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided.

Pain

Begin taking medications as prescribed by your doctor. When taking an oral medication, drink at least 1/2 cup of water or juice to aid in absorption and reduce stomach irritation. Unusual side effects of the medication should be reported to the Doctor.

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, begin rinsing every four to six hours, especially after meals, with a solution of warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1/2 glass of lukewarm water). Continue oral rinses at least four times a day for the first week following surgery. Brushing your teeth is no problem the day after surgery, be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas and commercial mouthwashes or sprays should be avoided.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Rest is important to start you on a good recovery. After 24 hours and the few days following surgery, you may increase your activity as tolerated, but avoid bending and heavy exercise through the first week.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be worn until refitted or relined by Dr. Rodenburg, Dr. MacMenamin, Dr. Brown, Dr. Burns, Dr. Shearen, Dr. Tyler or Dr. Capp or your general dentist. The wearing of dentures may jeopardize a successful healing process.