After Placement of Dental Implants

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.

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. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; just call 719-599-0500. If it is after hours, please listen to the answering service’s message for instructions on reaching our on call staff.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, keep your head elevated above the level of your heart. You may also apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first12 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food for at least 24 hours and until after all bleeding has stopped. 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. You will likely have prescription pain medicine for any pain you may experience. Please take this medicine as prescribed. Do NOT take these medicines on an empty stomach. If you have any questions or concerns regarding post-operative discomfort, please do not hesitate to contact our office.. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

Anitbiotics are not always indicated with surgery. But should they be prescribed in your case, please 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, you may brush your teeth carefully. You may also rinse after every meal and before bed. The day after surgery, resume normal tooth brushing at least two times daily. If you are given mouth rinse, use as directed. 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 any healing abutments in the case of dental implants)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

Denture or other removable prosthesis use following surgery is unique to different situations. This is usually discussed in the pre-operative consultation. Please call if there are still any questions after surgery.