After Placement of Dental Implants
Congratulations on the placement of your dental implant. While the healing and restoration process may be lengthy it is important to follow the proper timetables for the best possible success. It is important that all post operative appointments are kept. Sometimes a second surgery is necessary 3-6 months after the placement of the implant.
Oozing
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice, on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. It is best to avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc., which may get lodged in the surgical sites. If possible, try to chew on the opposite side of the surgical site for one week. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
Discomfort
At times, oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. For moderate pain, take 400 mg of Ibuprofen with 500 mg of Acetaminophen (Extra Strength Tylenol) every 4 hours at the same time. It is most effective if taken around the clock for the first 72 hours following surgery.
If pain is not manageable with Ibuprofen and Extra Strength Tylenol, you may replace the Extra Strength Tylenol with one (1) Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, if prescribed. **DO NOT TAKE EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL AND HYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN AT THE SAME TIME.**
Always verify the dosage on your bottle at home before taking any medications. Dosages vary per bottle.
Ibuprofen Maximum Dose: 2400 mg per day
Acetaminophen Maximum Dose: 3000 mg per day
Do not take the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed not to by your physician. Do not take Ibuprofen products if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection if prescribed by Dr. Erickson.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to proper healing. Rinse gently with warm water in the area of the procedure 4-5 times a day. You may brush your teeth and the healing abutments 24 hours after the procedure. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas. Placing your toothbrush under hot water will make the bristles soft and easier to brush.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.
Sometimes the after effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions may apply. It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress or need clarification, please call the office. Please note: Telephone calls for narcotic (pain) prescription renewals are only accepted during business hours.
Download/Print: Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions
