After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound for 24 hours.  After 24 hours you may resume brushing your teeth, but be careful not to brush directly over the implant, but do be sure to adequately brush all sides of the surrounding teeth.  Do not bite down or chew over the implant until instructed to do so – chew on the opposite side of your mouth – this will be for a minimum of 8 weeks.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours.  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 in 20 minute intervals.  Be sure to give your skin a 20-30 minute break between intervals.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid 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, but being careful not to bite down or chew over the implant until instructed to do so by Dr. Kinney (minimum of 8 weeks).

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication before the local anesthetic wearsoff. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 2400mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. Do not take the two medications at the same time or with a prescription pain reliever without contacting our office first.  Some medications taken together can cause adverse effects.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. 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.  You must finish the entire course of antibiotics for them to be effective.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.  Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and AVOID brushing over the implant. Be gentle initially while brushing near the surgical areas.  DO NOT BRUSH THE GUMS over your implant.  Avoid using over the counter mouthwash for at least 1 week as this can slow down the healing process.

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.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, may or may not be used immediately after surgery, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation.  If you are unsure, please call our office to discuss your treatment.