After Placement of Dental Implants

After dental implant surgery, 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 rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30-40 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely place a teabag instead of the gauze over the surgical site and bite down with firm pressure for another 30-40 minutes. If heavy bleeding persists contact the office.

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 for 20 minutes and 20 minutes off , as much as possible, for the first 24-48 hours.

DIET

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery and the next seven days avoiding the surgical sites.

PAIN

You should begin taking your pain medication as prescribed/directed as soon as you can ideally before the local anesthetic starts to wear off.

Do not take any medications if you are allergic or have had a reaction in the past.

Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery if taking any narcotics.  Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking any narcotics.  

ANTIBIOTICS

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection barring any side effects.  Birth Control may be rendered ineffective while taking antibiotics please consult with your primary care physician.

ACTIVITY

Keep physical activities to a minimum following surgery.  Remember “Couch Potato” for approximately 4 days. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.