After Placement of Dental Implants

After the 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 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 for further instructions.

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 cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 48 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or foods for 24 hours. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Try to avoid chewing directly on the implant during the 2-3 month healing process.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.

Medication for pain management

Classes of Medications

  • Analgesics
  • Tylenol/Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever with few side effects.
  • The usual over-the-counter tablets are 325mg for regular strength, and 500mg for extra strength. The maximum dosage per day is 4000mg/day, the usual post-surgical dose is 1000mg every 6 hours.
  • Anti-inflammatories/NSAIDS
  • Motrin, Advil, and Ibuprofen are brand names of the same medication. The usual over-the-counter dose is 200mg/tablet. The maximum dosage per day of Naproxen is 1000mg/day, the usual post-surgical dose is 2 tablets twice a day.
  • Narcotics
  • This class of medication is potentially addictive and should only be used when the above medications are insufficient for pain control. These medications are also sedating and should not be taken with alcohol or when driving.
  • Vicodin is a combination pill of Hydrocodone (5mg)/Tylenol (325 mg). The usual post-surgical dose is 1-2 tablets every 6 hours, with a maximum dose being limited by the Tylenol in the pill.
  • Combining Classes
  • Tylenol and NSAIDS can be combined as needed, alternatively takin 1 dose every 3-4 hours.
  • Narcotics and NSAIDS can also be combined as needed, alternatively taking 1 dose every 3-4 hours.
  • Tylenol should not be combined with Narcotics as the Narcotic already has Tylenol in the tablet.

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. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. In addition warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) may be used 3-4 times a day, especially after meals.

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

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately after surgery. 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 or Dental Appliance

 

Partial dentures, orthodontic retainers, flippers, or full dentures should not be used without adjustment after surgery.

Please call if you have questions about your appliance

 

Additional Instructions apply if you had additional procedures with your dental implant

 

Bone Graft

Grafting material may extrude as the healing process progresses, losing a few particles over time. If concerned please contact Dr Morgan.

 

Sinus Lift

For the next 72 hours:

If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open.

Do not blow your nose, wipe if necessary.

Pink discharge from the sinus is normal.

After the placement of dental implants do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.