After 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.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding 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 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Cold 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, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. 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 night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. 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. 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 no 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 and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.

1. How can I control bleeding after my dental implant surgery?
Some bleeding is normal during the first 24 hours. Gently bite on a gauze pad and change it every 15 to 30 minutes until the bleeding slows. If bleeding continues, you can use a damp black tea bag for 45 to 60 minutes. If the bleeding does not subside or becomes excessive, contact your surgeon.

2. When can I start chewing normally after getting dental implants?
You should avoid chewing on the surgical site for four weeks. After that, you can begin eating soft foods on the implant side, but avoid pressure or hard chewing. If you had a full-arch procedure, chewing may need to be avoided entirely for two months, followed by a soft diet for several months depending on your healing progress.

3. What should I eat after my implant surgery?
Stick to a soft, high-protein diet such as scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or soup. Avoid using a straw and do not eat spicy, hot, crunchy, or chewy foods. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

4. How can I reduce swelling and manage pain after surgery?
Apply ice packs to the face on the surgical side in 20-minute intervals for the first 24 to 36 hours. Keep your head elevated while resting. Begin taking your prescribed pain medication before the numbing wears off, and continue with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen as directed.

5. Can I smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise during recovery?
Avoid all tobacco use for at least five days, and ideally throughout the healing period, as it can interfere with recovery and may void your implant warranty. Do not engage in strenuous exercise for the first week. Limit or avoid alcohol, especially while taking medication or during early healing.