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 (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 45 minutes. If bleeding continues a tea bag can be placed over the site-please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery and usually peaks around 3 days after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a bag of frozen vegetable (peas/corn), or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice for approximately 30 minutes, then off for 15-30 minutes as much as possible, for the first 24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food while numb. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery and for several days following surgery. Return to a normal diet as directed by Dr. Conkin.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication (Ibuprofen +/- Tylenol) prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 400-600mg of Ibuprofen  may be taken every 6 hours. Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken instead of ibuprofen if unable to take that medication or can be taken in between doses of Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter, comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed with the Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). 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 (if indicated).

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed if applicable. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed unless directed otherwise. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds to one minute 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 abutment is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing around 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.