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.

Smoking

Smoking is very harmful to the blood clot and the healing implant. It should be avoided at all times.

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 pack on the cheek in the area of surgery. Keep an ice pack on for 30 minutes, then remove it for 30 minutes. Continue to repeat this cycle to help control pain and swelling for the first 36 hours after surgery.

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.

		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.

Medications

If the doctor has written a prescription for pain medication, have your prescriptions filled and take your medications as directed on each prescription bottle. For the most effective pain relief, take your first dose of pain medicine after you get home, before the numbness wears off. For moderate discomfort, adults may use aspirin, Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol, one or two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-4 tablets every 6 hours. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, you may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after surgery the day of your surgery. The next day you may rinse gently and brush gently. Warm salt water is appropriate to rinse with. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and rinse three or four times each day for five days.

Minor bleeding may occur when you brush or rinse during the first week. Do not be alarmed by this. Alcohol based mouth rinses can be a little hard on the healing tissue and blood clot the first few days. Rather than use them, you may find a sugarless breath mint helps your mouth feel fresher.