Bleeding

Some minor bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Majority of your bleeding should stop within the first 2 hours after the procedure. If you are experiencing heavier, persistent bleeding that does not resolve with bite pressure with gauze, then call the office for further instruction.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery and reaches its peak 2-3 days 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 often as possible, for the first 24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Avoid eating on the side of the implant as much as possible and until you receive your implant crown, especially if the healing abutment or cap is visible through the gum tissue. Any load on the implant with food will potentially affect its healing and lead to complications.

Pain

Post-operative discomfort is normal after oral surgery procedures. Start taking the pain medication before the local anesthesia or numbness wears off. We also offer a long-term injectable therapeutic called Exparel that numbs the surgical site for 2-3 days. Please use the following instructions to help control the amount of discomfort that you may have:

  • For the first 24 – 72 hours, we recommend taking the prescription strength ibuprofen 600 – 800 mg as scheduled to help limit the inflammation and resulting pain. Please make sure you do not take this medication on an empty stomach. If you have stomach disturbances, you may benefit from taking an acid reducer such as famotidine (Pepcid), which can be obtained without a prescription.
  • If your pain is moderate to severe and/or not resolved with ibuprofen, then you can work in another medication such as acetaminophen or narcotic pain medication (Norco, Tylenol #3) and alternate the two in a staggered fashion. The narcotic pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Be sure to eat something prior to taking pain medication to reduce nausea.
  • If your pain is uncontrolled with medication and/or your pain is not improving over time, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions. Be aware that some antibiotics can reduce the contraceptive effect of birth control pills. Please contact your gynecologist or pharmacist if you have concerns.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. If you see a cap, or healing abutment, sticking out of your gum tissue, then you must keep it clean. For the first 3 weeks, you may use a Q-tip soaked in the mouth rinse and gently clean all around the healing abutment. After the gum tissue appears normal and pink, then you may brush gently around the healing abutment with a soft tooth brush.

If given a prescription for Peridex Oral Rinse, please do the following:

  • The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Continue with the salt water rinses in addition to the Peridex Oral Rinses.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum for one week following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Temporary teeth (essix retainers, flippers, or full dentures) should only be worn after adjustment by your surgeon. Gum tissue swelling may persist for 1 – 2 weeks after surgery and may limit the use of your temporary. Please call the office if there is excess pressure or pain when wearing your temporary.