After Placement of Dental Implants

Important: Please read the information below to help your recovery from dental implant surgery. If you have any questions, please call us at: San Luis Obispo Office Phone Number 805-541-5611

For rapid healing, it is essential that the following directions be followed during the first two weeks post-operatively.

Post-Operative Guidelines Following Dental Implant Placement

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. In some cases, there will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is normal 24 hours after surgery. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by gently biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding site for 30-45 minute intervals. If bleeding does not stop after doing this, call our office for further instructions:  San Luis Obispo Office Phone Number 805-541-5611.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To reduce swelling, your head should be elevated (above the heart) by a head- rest (extra pillow) during the first two nights after surgery. An ice pack may be applied to the cheek intermittently 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. Only semi-liquid foods are advised during the first six days to avoid food particles from lodging in the wound. Soft foods may be added to the diet during the second week. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided.

Medication for Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. To help with discomfort you can take 1 Extra Strength Tylenol (500mg) in combination with 1-2 Ibuprofen (200mg) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Without exceeding daily maximum dosage.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. After each meal, rinse your mouth thoroughly and gently with a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt diluted in 8 oz. of warm water). Alcohol free or diluted commercial mouth washes or sprays may be used as directed. Avoid topical agents such as hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, and over the counter numbing agents, unless approved by the surgeon.

Brushing your teeth and the metal healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately after surgery. Do not engage in sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming until approved by the surgeon. If you are considering exercise, throbbing 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 you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Dentures or appliances may NOT be worn until refitted or relined by the dentist or fit is confirmed by the surgeon. More details about the use of appliances will be discussed in the pre-operative consultation.

Following the above instructions is essential for proper healing. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office at San Luis Obispo Office Phone Number 805-541-5611.