Post OperativeInstructions-Dental Implants

 

The success of your new implant depends upon your post-operative care!

If you received a healing abutment on your new implant, it is important that you do not chew directly over top of it. If you notice the healing abutment becoming loose, contact our office immediately for adjustment! Not all implants will have a healing abutment immediately after surgery.

Day 1

  • Go home and get some rest! Keep your activities minimal.

  • Implants generally do not have much bleeding.

  • It is recommended to start your pain medications within the first 1 to 2 hours after leaving surgery, or at the very first onset of pain.

  • However, do not take your pain medications on an empty stomach! If you experience nausea, sipping on Ginger Ale or Sprite will help to soothe the stomach.

  • Soft foods that require little to no chewing are recommended. Be cautious of hot food and drinks when your mouth is still numb.

  • If your doctor prescribed an antibiotic, it is important to start as soon as possible- again, with food in your stomach. Take as prescribed until gone.

  • Do not go home and lay flat! Keep your head elevated while resting for 2 to 3 days- using your ice pack for the first 24 hours (alternating 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).

  • Avoid brushing, flossing, rinsing or spitting today. Do not sleep with gauze in your mouth!

  • Smoking is greatly discouraged to help ensure the success of your implant. This can cause further complications and unnecessary pain.

  • If you have been sedated, the anesthesia may make you drowsy and tired for the rest of the day. You should not drive a motor vehicle, operate any dangerous machinery or make responsible decisions the day after surgery.

     

    Day 2

  • Today, you will start using your ice pack as a heat pack- instructions for heating are located on the back of the pack. Use this for 2 to 3 days, alternating every 20 minutes.

  • Gentle oral care can be resumed, but avoid brushing over the implant for a couple of days. You may notice a small amount of blood the first day or two- this is normal.

  • Continue your soft diet for 4 to 5 days. Chew on the opposite side of the mouth from your implant. Gentle swishing with warm salt water is encouraged between meals and after all eating for the next week.

  • If your doctor prescribed you a medicated mouth rinse (Peridex), you will start that today. You should swish with a small amount morning and evening for 7 days with your regular oral care routine.

     

    Day 3.

  • If you must resume work or an exercise routine, do so lightly- letting pain be your guide.

  • As your swelling decreases, your pain should be getting much better. Try to limit your prescription pain medication use as much as possible. Using over-the-counter pain medications, such as Motrin, Ibuprofen or Tylenol, are a good option, as directed by our surgical assistants and your doctor..

  • Your sutures may start to dissolve, which can take up to 1 week. If your sutures are not dissolvable, your doctor will remove them during your scheduled post-operative appointment.

     

    Day 4 and 5

  • You should start to see your swelling decrease today and over the following days.
  • You can slowly advance to more solid foods, as well as increase exercise intensity.

  • A bad taste, odor, fever, increased swelling, or pain may occur if cleaning is lacking. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may need to be seen by your doctor.

     

    Day 6 and 7

  • Stop the use of your medicated mouth rinse (Peridex), unless otherwise directed.

  • Increased pain and swelling by this time is uncommon- please contact the office if you are experiencing adverse symptoms. There is a 24 hour answering service after office hours.

Questions About Your Post-Op Care?

Call Us Today!