Post-Operative Instructions

Aftercare Instructions for Dental Implant Placement

General

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. Many times, the dental implant is placed so that it is completely hidden under your gum during the healing phase. Other times, 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 gently biting on folded gauze pads placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. You may need to change the gauze packs several times the first day.

A TEA BAG may be helpful.  The tannic acid in the tea acts as an astringent.  The tea bag must be steeped by pouring a small amount of boiling water over it and let it COOL in a cup.  The strong tea can be applied to the wound with a gauze pad or the cooled, dampened tea bag can be placed over the wound. Pressure should be applied for 20 minutes.  Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, please call our office at 631-421-2471 for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag filled with ice on a towel on the check in the area of surgery. Apply the cold pack continuously, as often as possible, for the first 24-36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food for the first 1-2 days. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet when you are comfortable unless otherwise directed.

Pain

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol tablet may be taken every four hours or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) two to three 200 mg tablets may be taken every four to six hours.  For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. You may begin to brush your teeth as usual the evening of surgery. However, avoid direct contact with the surgical site(s) until your post operative appointment.

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. You may feel weak for the first few days so you should limit your exercise.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be used immediately after surgery unless advised otherwise. This was discussed in the preoperative consultation. Please call our office with any specific questions about this after your surgery.