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 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 rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a moist gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply plastic bag or towel filled with ice, on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, 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

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily. 

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

You may also be prescribed a steriod. If prescribed, please take as directed to limit swelling.

Antibiotics

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas. Do not use a Sonicare or other battery operated tooth brush, only use Manual until instructed to do so. Do not use a water pick in the implant area following surgery.

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.