After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal healing abutment slightly protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours.  Please change gauze every 20 to 30 minutes as needed.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery.  To minimize swelling, apply ice to the outside of the face, nearest the surgical area; twenty (20) minutes on and twenty (20) minutes off.

Diet

Start with cold drinks (clear fluids if you have had general anesthesia) removing gauze to drink.  Avoid hot liquids, and do not use a straw to drink.  Soft foods may be eaten as tolerated such as: applesauce, ice cream and yogurt.  Remember to remove any gauze prior to eating.  As your condition improves, you may add eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, etc., but be sure to eat them lukewarm.

Pain

If you are able to take aspirin or Motrin (Ibuprofen) products, start with the prescribed Motrin 600 mg. by following the instructions on the prescription bottle, or you may use “over the counter” Motrin or Ibuprofen by taking three (3), 200 mg. tablets, three (3) times a day to control inflammation and to alleviate any pain.  If you cannot take Motrin or aspirin products due to allergies or other medical conditions, please take what you would normally take for pain.  If you are unsure what you can take, please consult with the doctor.

Day After Surgery               

• Start using the Peridex medicated mouth rinse 2 – 3 times per day.  Measure ½ ounce, gently tilt your head side to side, letting the rinse “sit” in the surgical site prior to letting the rinse “fall” into the sink.  Do not do any vigorous rinsing, gargling or spitting.  If Peridex was not prescribed, use warm salt water – ¼ teaspoon salt to 1 cup of warm water.
• Practice normal, oral hygiene after surgery, using care not to brush in the implant area until it is no longer tender.
• No smoking for one week after surgery.
• Be sure to drink plenty of liquids and advance to a regular diet as soon as you are able.