Post-Op: Dental Implant Procedure

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 continuously 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

Thankfully, dental implant surgery is not accompanied by a significant amount of pain in most cases. Nonetheless, 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 up to three tablets of Tylenol or two tablets of Extra Strength Tylenol, and up to four tablets of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every six hours. These medications can be taken simultaneously or can be alternated.

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

Do not use partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures after surgery and for at least 10 days. This will help promote your recovery. If you have any questions, reach out to our office directly.