After Placement of Dental Implants

Please read the instructions carefully and call our office if you have any questions or concerns. It is very important to follow instructions following your oral surgery procedure to minimize unnecessary pain and complications.

Immediately following surgery:

  • If you have had any form of sedation, DO NOT operate a motor vehicle for 24 hours. You should have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after sedation because your coordination and judgment are impaired.
  • You should bite with firm, steady pressure on the gauze provided for approximately 2 hours following surgery. Change the gauze every 30 minutes as needed. DO NOT CHEW ON THE GAUZE.
  • YOU SHOULD NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH WITH ANYTHING FOR 24 HOURS
  • DO NOT SMOKE following your surgery for a minimum of 5-7 days as this will cause additional pain and delay healing.
  • Take all medications as they have been prescribed. If you have been given a prescription for pain medication you should not operate a motor vehicle while taking the medication.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office. We are here to help in any way we can to ensure that you have a great surgical experience with our office. Kernersville Office Phone Number 336-992-2123

Bleeding:

  • Some bleeding and drainage is normal for up to 24 hours following your procedure. For minor bleeding, it is not necessary to continue biting down on the gauze for more than 2 hours.
  • If excessive bleeding is a concern, please call our office for further instructions. Kernersville Office Phone Number 336-992-2123

Pain:

  • Some pain and soreness is to be expected following oral surgery. When you leave our office, you will still be numb. This will last approximately 1-2 hours. Before the numbness wears off, you should take the pain medication prescribed to you as directed (not on an empty stomach). This will help ease the transition of the numbness wearing off. You may alternate with 600-800mg Advil or Ibuprofen (3-4 over the counter pills) every 6 hours with the prescription pain medication. After the first 24-48 hours, Advil or Ibuprofen should manage your pain sufficiently. However, in some cases the prescription pain medication is still needed.
  • Your peak day for pain and swelling is commonly the second and third day. From this point, symptoms should improve with each day.

Diet:

  • Start with clear liquids. While you are numb, you should only have liquid-type foods that do not require any chewing. (Try to find the following items in sugar-free or low sugar options: ice cream, yogurt, pudding, jello, protein shake, etc…). After 24 hours you may have soft foods (eggs, cooked veggies, fish, soups, etc…). We recommend avoiding sugary items after surgery. Salty liquids such as chicken/beef broth are also beneficial. Avoid sharp, crunchy and chewy foods for the first week following your surgery. Also, avoid chewing directly over the implant sites for the first few weeks.

Swelling and Bruising:

  • Swelling is typically minor after implant placement. You may use ice packs on the outside of your face following your surgery to help minimize swelling. Keeping your head elevated while sleeping the first few nights will also help to minimize facial swelling.

Oral Hygiene:

  • Good oral hygiene is essential to healing well after your implant surgery. The day after your surgery, you should start rinsing with warm salt water 3 times a day for one week following your surgery. (Mix ½ teaspoon of table salt with an 8oz glass of water).
  • Resume rinsing with the antibiotic mouth rinse the day after your implant procedure as well. Use as directed on the bottle.
  • You may resume brushing your teeth on the day of your surgery using caution to avoid the implant site for the first week.
  • DO NOT use an electric tooth brush until the implant has been restored.
  • If you had any BONE GRAFT MATERIAL placed, you may notice some of the granules in your mouth for the 1 st week following your surgery. This is normal and expected.

Dentures, Partial or Essix appliance:

  • If you had a denture, partial or essix appliance placed the day of your surgery, DO NOT remove your appliance for the first 48 hours except to rinse with salt water. If you leave if out for more than a few minutes, you may have an increase in swelling that will cause your appliance not to fit until the swelling subsides.