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 protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, use an ice pack over the area of surgery. It can be used as much as possible during the first 36 hours after your surgery.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid very hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, non-prescription pain medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil; Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol; Extra Strength Tylenol) may be sufficient. For severe pain, the prescribed pain medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (half a teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of warm water) should be used at least 4 times a day, especially after meals. It is fine to brush your teeth and the healing abutments (if present). Brush gently in all areas where surgery has been done.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.