POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING DENTAL IMPLANTS

Placement of dental implants usually does not create a great deal of pain. General postoperative instructions apply, with the exception of rinsing. Remember DO NOT rinse with the warm salt water. The Doctor has given you a prescription rinse containing chlorhexidine, an antibacterial medicine to assist in the healing and keep the site healthy.

Make sure that you get rid of any toothpaste residue prior to rinsing and then DO NOT eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing. This will maximize the potency of the medication. Generally speaking following implant surgery the Gore-Tex sutures need to be removed. They are white strings which may see in your mouth. If they become loose and annoying, call the office to have them removed at you earliest convenience.

1. Some degree of discomfort and pain arises a numbness subsides. At the first sign of pain or discomfort, take the prescribed medications. As an alternative you may take 2-4 Advil. If you cannot take aspirin products, then take two Tylenol. If the pain you are having, is not controlled by the Advil or "Advil-like" prescription, you may take the prescribed severe pain medicine [typically Vicodin ES], but only after eating some food. Any pain medications can cause nausea and vomiting. It is very important that you have some food in your stomach before you take them. 

2. DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA OF SURGERY. Allowing the tissues to rest undisturbed assists the healing process. Avoid vigorous chewing, excessive spitting, or aggressive rinsing. If you routinely use a Water Pik, avoid doing so during the healing phase. Initial healing may be delayed, active bleeding restarted, or infection introduced.

3. Expect minor bleeding or oozing. If bleeding persists, continue pressure on a fresh sponge for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. Biting on a moist teabag wrapped in gauze may help control persistent oozing from the surgical site. Tea contains tannic acid which helps promote blood clotting. 

4. Firm pressure for 15-30 minutes usually controls the problem lf you check too frequently (every few minutes), the blood clot will not form properly and bleeding will continue Should active bleeding persist Please call the office or page the doctor.

5. LIMIT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY during the first 24-48 hours after surgery Over exertion may lead to postoperative bleeding and discomfort When you lie down keep your head elevated on a pillow you relay wish to place a towel on your pillowcase to avoid staining from any blood-tainted saliva.

6. PAIN FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY will be most severe within the first 6-8 hours after the operation Please do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking prescription medication Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable before using some form of pain medication, as then it will be more difficult to control Moderate to severe pain usually does not last longer than 48 hours And mild discomfort usually diminishes after the third day Please contact us if you experience prolonged severe pain so that we can help make you more comfortable

7. SWELLING RELATED TO THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE may occur following certain types of procedures. An ice pack should be placed on the side of your face for 20 minutes then taker off for 10 minutes and repeated Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil, also help decrease swelling.

8. FLUID INTAKE IS IMPORTANT Clear beverages, ginger ale, Seven-up, or Sprite, water. Teas, soda, broth, soups, or juices are all suitable. Avoid hot liquids until the numbness has worn off, and the bleeding has stopped. Drink plenty of fluids.

9. AVOID USING A STRAW FOR SEVERAL DAYS It may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing

10. FOOD SELECTION Soft, cool foods are most easily tolerated. A nutritious diet is most important to your comfort and temperament Remember that eating can prevent nausea sometimes associated with certain medications Supplements such as Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast and/or yogurt supply excellent added nutrition

11. Take any special medication we have prescribed on the special dosing schedule. Yogurt with active cultures or acidophilus should be taken while on antibiotics to prevent diarrhea It is important to take the antibiotics to completion lf you are given antibiotics and take birth control pills, you should be aware that the birth control may become ineffective, therefore take appropriate precautions

12. Take any regularly scheduled medication (for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc) on your regular schedule unless advised to do otherwise

13. TRY TO AVOID SMOKING COMPLETELY, as it tends to delay healing and interfere with regeneration.

The day following the surgery, rinse your mouth carefully with 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a large glass of warm water Repeat three times a day until remaining soreness subsides. Please do not use a syringe or water pik during the healing phase.

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT STITCHES. They are usually dissolvable.

ANY SWELLING, SORENESS OR STIFFNESS IN THE JAW MUSLCES can be relived by applying a warm moist towel to affected side of the face.

Sometimes a soft diet may be necessary for the first few days following the surgery. Most patients are able to resume regular food intake within a short time.

Bruising Darks may appear on the skin of the face during the first few days after surgery. Should any undue reaction or complications arise, notify the office immediately.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORAL SURGERY PATIENTS

1. Bite on the oral gauze packs for 45 minutes after surgery. Some bleeding from the surgical site is normal for as long as 24 hours post-op. If this is excessive, place and bite on fresh gauze packs or a tea bag moistened with cool water for 20 minutes as needed. 

2. Ice packs applied immediately to the face over the areas of surgery will help minimize

swelling, discomfort and bleeding. Alternate 20 minutes of ice with 20 minutes rest. The

swelling might not peak until 2-3 days post-op, after which it will begin to resolve.

3. It is usually advisable to take your first dose of pain medication before the numbness of the local anesthetic wears off. Take this and other medications as prescribed. 

4. Your diet for the first 24 hours post-op should consist of cool soft foods. Do not drink

carbonated beverages (may promote bleeding) and generally avoid heavy milk products.

Do not suck liquids through a straw.

5. Avoid smoking during the healing period as this may interfere with the healing process

and increase postoperative discomfort. 

6. Do not start mouth rinses until the following morning. The mouth may be rinsed at that time with a solution consisting of a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Gentle tooth brushing is encouraged starting the day after surgery.

7. If your sinus was involved during the surgery, you should avoid closing off your nose or mouth when sneezing. Also, do not forcibly blow your nose during the healing period.

Wipe, don’t blow your nose. 

8. REMEMBER – After surgery with sedation and while taking any narcotic pain medications, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY, TRANSACT BUSINESS OR DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

If you have any problems or questions please call 908-351-2106