After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Care 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. For patients who have received dental implants in Boca Raton, these post-operative instructions are especially important to ensure proper healing.

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: Pembroke Pines: Pembroke Pines Phone Number 954-437-2222 or Boca Raton: Boca Raton Phone Number 561-465-2059.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, a plastic bag, or a 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. Stick with soft foods until further instructions at your first follow up visit.

Pain

Pain or discomfort following surgery is normal and should subside gradually each day.

Take the prescribed medication for the first 5 days after surgery. It is always easier to prevent dental pain than to try to catch-up after the pain has started.

For mild pain: Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours

For moderate pain: Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours and Tylenol 650 mg every 6 hours (alternate the medications every 3 hours, do not take them together)

For severe pain: After alternating the ibuprofen and Tylenol for 2 rounds, you will then substitute 1 Tylenol tablet for 1 prescription pain killer (i.e. Hydrocodone) These can make you groggy and slow down your reflexes. DO NOT DRIVE an automobile or work around machinery while taking these medications. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Please contact our office with any concerns about your recovery

Antibiotics

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Peridex (0.12% Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse) should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed per your Surgeon’s instructions. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds and let it fall out of the mouth gently (do not forcefully spit). Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is not a problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following 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

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery. Please discuss with your Surgeon when your device may be used appropriately.