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.

Control of Bleeding

  • Slight bleeding for the first 12-24 hours is normal after dental implant procedure.
  • If bleeding continues, use gauze (packet provided). Bite down firmly on gauze, do not chew.
  • Place this gauze directly over the surgical site. It may help to ask a friend or relative for assistance.
    Change the gauze every 20 minutes until the bleeding stops. If bleeding persists, bite down on a moist tea bag for 30 minutes.
  • If heavy bleeding does not stop, call the office (780-439-4399)
  • Do not wear dentures or oral appliance immediately after surgery unless directed by your surgeon.
    After that wear as little as possible for the next 2 weeks.

Control of Pain

  • Pain after dental surgery can be intense for a day or two. Fill your prescription right away and take the medication as prescribed before the numbness (local anesthetic) wears off. Do not wait for the pain to start.
  • Take medication as directed.

Warning

  • Please avoid taking too many painkillers, as their effectiveness can be limited. Only take them as prescribed by your surgeon.
    If you are in need of stronger pain medication or if pain medications are not effective, contact our office.
  • Pain killers can slow reaction time. To ensure safety, avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours.
  • If you develop a rash or hives, stop all medication and contact the office/hospital.

Control of Swelling

  • As soon as you reach home, REST.
  • Begin using ice packs on your face for the next 48 hours (2 days) then stop.
    – Ice packed in a towel (or frozen vegetables) should be placed on the side of the face where surgery was done.
    – Do not keep the ice on one place constantly to avoid freezing the area – 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. This helps reduce swelling.
  • On the 3rd day, start warm compresses on the side of surgery – continue for 3-4 days.
  • Swelling and bruising are common.
  • Swelling is expected to peak approximately 72 hours post-surgery

Nausea

  • Nausea is normal after anesthesia.
  • Small amounts of carbonated soda (ginger ale, etc.) are helpful.
    Vomiting can occur sometimes to get rid of blood you may have swallowed.
    If no improvement, use Gravol®
  • If vomiting persists, call our office.

Oral Hygiene

  • Oral cleanliness (gently) is very important.
  • You can resume brushing post operative, but avoid surgical site for 24 hours.
  • Starting 24 hours after surgery, softly brush directly on surgical site and sutures twice per day.
  • Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours to avoid disturbing the clot. After 24 hours begin the rinse.
  • Mix a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Hold the solution in your mouth until it cools, then spit it out. Repeat this several times a day for 3-4 days. If you’ve been prescribed chlorhexidine rinse, use as directed instead of saltwater rinses. Avoid swishing vigorously.

Diet

  • Soft foods like jello, ice cream, milkshakes, eggs, yogurt, pasta and soups are recommended, especially for the first few days after surgery. You can resume a normal diet after approximately 1 week or directed by your surgeon.
  • Avoid fruit with small seeds, popcorn, rice, potato chips, hard foods and sandwiches.
  • It is important that you have enough to eat and drink.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid hot liquids and/or food until all freezing is gone.
  • Do NOT use a straw to drink.

Smoking

  • If you smoke, try to stop or reduce it to an absolute minimum, as smoking slows down the healing process.

Sutures

  • Sutures are used routinely.
  • Resorbable sutures do not need to be removed; they will dissolve on their own in approximately 5-14 days.
    In some cases, your surgeon may use longer-lasting sutures, which can take up to 6-8 weeks to dissolve.
  • Non-resorbable sutures require removal, you will be asked to come back in 5-7 days.

Anesthesia
If you had IV anesthesia or general anesthesia for your surgery:

  • A responsible adult should be with you for 24 hours after surgery.
  • You are not allowed to drive or to operate machinery for 24 hours after your surgery, as you will be legally impaired during this time.
  • You should not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before and after your surgery.
  • Refrain from making any important decisions on signing any important documents for at least 24 hours after surgery or while taking pain medications.
  • After general anesthesia, there is a possibility of nosebleeds. Avoid blowing your nose for the first 24 hours. If nosebleeds occur, apply constant pressure below the nasal bone for 5 minutes. If bleeding continues, contact the office.
  • Please notify Renew Oral & Facial Surgical Centre of any unexpected admission to a hospital within 10 days of treatment at this facility

If you have any other post-operative concerns, please call our office directly 780-439-4399