Instructions after Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

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Dental Implants

Swelling: In some cases, puffiness and swelling may result and should not
cause alarm. This may be kept at a minimum by holding an ice bag on the outside of the face, adjacent to the surgical to area for the first 6-8 hours after your visit. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes.

Bleeding: It is normal for saliva to be slightly streaked with blood. In order to
stop bleeding, place a moist piece of gauze or cold wet squeezed tea bag over the surgical site and bit down for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary. Keep fingers and tongue away from surgical site.

Rinses: Do not rinse mouth until the following day. On the morning
following surgery, rinse mouth thoroughly with Peridex, Listerine, or warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt + 6 oz. warm water). Repeat this after each meal or the first two weeks.

Denture: Dentures should not be worn until the denture has been relined or
adjusted. Insertion of dentures too early may jeopardize a successful healing process .

Diet: To prevent any inadvertent food particles from contaminating or injuring the surgical site, you should only consume liquid or mashed foods during the first two weeks. Some example are: Fruit juices, ice creams, soups, ensure carnation breakfast custards, mashed potatoes, peas, corn, and any food mashed in a blender. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided during the first two weeks.

Sleeping: Keep your head elevated with two pillows while sleeping.

Medication: Following dental surgery, it is normal to experience some
discomfort. If medications have been prescribed, take as directed. Please note the following:

a. All medications may produce allergic reactions and/or side effects.
b. Narcotics will impede driving, using machinery and mental alertness.
c. Antibiotics may negate birth control medications. Use alternative methods.

Oral Surgery

Bleeding: Do not be concerned if traces of blood are noted in the salvia for several hours after the procedure. Do not rinse the mouth vigorously for the first few hours as the disruption of the clot may occur. It is best to avoid hot foods or fluid until the day following surgery. If continuous or excessive bleeding occurs, please contact the office.

Pain: You may have moderate discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. Most can be controlled with a mild analgesic. A prescription for a strong analgesic may be issued if necessary, and should be used as directed.

Swelling/Stiffness: In some cases, swelling is to be expected. It is normal and should not cause alarm. To help alleviate this, ice packs may be applied to the outside of the face over the area of surgery for ½ hour on and ½ hour off for the first 3-4 hours. Ice cubes in a plastic bag work nicely for an ice pack. If swelling discomfort persist, warm wet compresses may be used over the area on the second and subsequent days. These are to be applied for 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off for three hours each day.

Oral Hygiene: Meticulous oral hygiene should be continued in all other areas of the mouth but the area of surgery should be avoided to prevent the dislodging of the blood clot. Gentle rinsing after meals with warm salt water rinses, (½ tsp salt/ 8 oz. water). You should continue to brush your teeth and stimulate the tissue elsewhere in your mouth. Rinsing helps flush out the debris, which collects around that area.

Nutrition: Maintaining an adequate diet after surgery is important. You can chew on the opposite side of your mouth, and should avoid extremely hard and spicy foods. We have listed some foods that supply nourishment with little, if any chewing necessary for swallowing.

- Broths
- Soups
- Ice Cream
- Chopped or ground meat
- Eggs
- Baby Foods
- Custards or pudding
- Malted milk or shakes

YOU WILL ASSIST THE HEALING RESPONSE BY OBSERVING THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

A.) Maintain an adequate home care level.
B.) Decrease or eliminate smoking as smoking significantly delays the healing of oral tissue.
C.) Utilize warm salt water rinses to remove debris. Tooth Sensitivity Tooth sensitivity following surgery is almost totally related to inadequate plaque removal. It is very important then to be very meticulous with your plaque control procedures.
DO NOT use a Water Pik in surgical areas for three weeks.

Remember that you just had minor surgery. Be kind to yourself.

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