Implant

Post-Op Instructions After Implant

For the Remainder of the Day

Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.

Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.

Do not smoke

Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.

Spitting, the use of a straw, smoking, and poking can dislodge the blood clot that is forming and will cause bleeding from the area. Also, smoking can increase the chance of infection and the risk that your body will reject the implant.

For Bleeding

Some minor bleeding is expected after implant surgery. It will usually subside quickly, and stop within an hour or two after surgery. A little oozing is normal and may persist for several hours. Upper implants may occasionally trigger some bleeding from the nose. This is normal and will stop quickly.

Keep gauze on the surgical area with some pressure for 30-45 minutes. Remove the gauze after 30-45 minutes and replace it with a new piece of gauze if your are still bleeding. It is important to make sure the gauze is directly on the surgical site. Firm pressure for another hour should stop the bleeding. If you find that this is not working after your third attempt, bite down gently on a clean, moistened tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea that will help to form a clot and stop the bleeding.

If all else fails, call the office at 262-654-6535.

For Swelling

Most patients will experience some swelling after surgery in the mouth. It may be mild or severe, and is different for every patient. The swelling will get bigger for the first 24-48 hours before it starts to go away. It may last for several days to one week. Some bruising may also develop on the face.

Use an ice pack on the cheeck or face next to the surgical site. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes, then off for 10 minutes, and repeat until you go to sleep. Sleep with your head elevated slightly above the heart. This will keep swelling down.

On the third day, change to moist heat instead of ice packs. This will bring the swelling down quicker.

Eating

You may eat soft foods as soon as the anesthetic wears off. Try not to chew directly on the surgical site. You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel up to it. Please stay well-nourished and well-hydrated; you will heal faster.

Brushing

You may brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical area, either tonight or tomorrow morning. Be gentle, and do not spit or rinse forcefully. Start lightly brushing the surgical area on the second day, and be very gentle on the stitches. Do not floss the site for at least 4 weeks. You can continue to brush and floss the rest of your teeth normally.

Rinsing

You may start rinsing today, gently, with some warm salt water every few hours. (Approximately 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.)

Medications

You were probably given one or more prescriptions for medications. Take all medications with a full glass of water and as directed on the bottle. Call us if you experience severe nausea or diarrhea or cannot swallow your pills.

Antibiotics: If you were prescribed an antibiotic, continue until the bottle is empty. Do not quit halfway.

Pain Medicine: Continue as necessary. Remember that narcotics can make you drowsy so do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking them.

Mouth Rinse: Oris, Peridex, or Periogard. Swish with one-half ounce for thirty seconds and then spit it out, two times per day.

Be sure to contact our office at 262-654-6535 if there is heavy bleeding, if bleeding increases or if your implants gradually are visible through the gums. You should also contact us if you continue to have pain or sensitivity that lasts longer than two or three days, if the pain increases in intensity, or if you have any further questions.