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. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 1 week after your surgery.

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 thebleeding 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 first24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. A soft diet should be followed until otherwise instructed. Do not bite, chew or put any pressure on the implant area.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication before 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. Starting the dayof surgery, warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 6times a day, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth is fine, however,be gentle initially when brushing the surgical areas. We do not recommend use of an electronic toothbrush the first week after surgery. Do not use over-the-counter mouth rinses, alcoholic beverages, or smoke until otherwise instructed.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, please discuss this with Dr. Hishmeh prior to your surgery.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures generally should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation. Please discuss any concerns you may have regarding your prosthesis use prior to your surgery.