After Dental Implant Surgery

Do not touch or disturb the surgical site. You will see a metal abutment protruding through your gingival (gum) tissue. After surgery, avoid rinsing or spitting for the rest of the day.

Download our post-op instructions for Dental Implants

Download our post-op instructions for Sinus Precautions

Bleeding

For 24 hours after surgery, expect some bleeding or redness your saliva. If you have excessive bleeding (mouth rapidly fills with blood), place a gauze pad placed directly on over the wound and bite down on it for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, call our office for instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is after surgery is normal. You can minimize it by applying an ice pack on the side of your face in the area of surgery. As much as possible apply continuously for 36 hours after surgery.

Pain

Begin taking pain medication when you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. Do not take any of the medication listed below if you are allergic to it, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Moderate pain – Take one or two Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every three to four hours. Instead of Tylenol, you can take two to three 200 mg tablets of ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every three to four hours as needed

Severe pain – Take the prescribed medication as directed.

Antibiotics

Take the prescribed medication as directed to help prevent infection.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid hot liquids and hot food. After surgery, only drink liquids and eat soft food for the rest of the day. Unless otherwise instructed, return to a normal diet as soon as possible.

Oral Hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene promotes healing.

Peridex oral rinse – At bedtime on the night of surgery, use the prescribed rinse. The day after surgery, use it after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out.

Warm salt water rinses – Mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth at least four to five times a day, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and initially be gentle with the surgical areas.

Activity

Immediately after surgery, keep physical activities to a minimum. Exercise can cause throbbing or bleeding. If this occurs, discontinue exercising. After surgery, you are taking in less nourishment than normal. This can weaken you and limit your ability to exercise.

Prosthesis

For at least ten days after surgery, avoid wearing partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures.