After Teeth in a Day
Teeth in a Day food ideas Click here to download a copy of our post op instructions
Normal Expectations
- Down Time– Down time varies from 3-10 days depending on the treatment rendered.
- Pain – Pain can vary from none at all to prolonged. In some cases it takes a while for the pain to dissipate. Take pain meds as prescribed and try to avoid use of opioids as much as possible.
- Swelling and Bruising – Most patients experience swelling. Some also experience bruising of the skin that may even extend down the neck and onto the chest. Both skin and gums will be tender to the touch. Lower jaw soreness may occur if the area under the tongue is swollen or black and blue.
- Limited Opening: May occur if muscles have bruising, stretching of the jaw will help.
- Chapped or Cracked Lips – Use Aquafor, and over-the-counter product for relief.
- Tongue Size – If teeth have been missing for a long period of time, the tongue naturally expands to occupy more space. It will normally adjust itself to return to its normal size and position.
- Temporary Prosthesis – The first “Teeth In A Day” prosthesis is made from acrylic. These teeth can chip or crack if the patient bites down too hard. Use the bite guard if one is provided. Additionally, the tongue will be aware of the space under bridge and the openings for the implant retaining screw in the bridge; these will be filled and smoothed in the final bridge.
- Biting Pressure – Softer foods should be eaten for the first 12 to 16 weeks, increasing the chewing capacity as the bone heals. The doctors will adjust the biting contracts so that pressure will be applied to the strongest areas of the mouth, protecting the weaker or softer bone.
- Staining – Some prescription mouth rinses are very strong and may superficially stain the temporary teeth. This can be kept minimal with thorough tooth brushing and can be removed at regular hygiene visits.
- Nose Bleeds – Patients who have general anesthesia commonly have short term nose bleeding. Also any surgery involving the sinus will have nose bleeds. Should it persist for more than three days, contact our office.
Unusual Symptoms
Should any unusual symptoms occur such as high fever, excessive bleeding, increased swelling or excessive pain, call our office directly. Our answering service number is 770-929-6718.
WHAT NOT TO DO FOR 48 HOURS AFTER SURGERY.
>DO NOT drink through a straw.
>DO NOT drink very hot beverages.
>DO NOT skip any meals.
>DO NOT perform cardiovascular exercises or weight lifting for 48 hours.
>DO NOT smoke.
>DO NOT apply heat to the surgical area for the first 48 hours.
>DO NOT drive your car while taking pain medication.
>DO NOT blow nose if surgery was in the upper jaw.
>Avoid spitting. (This will move the clot).
Medication
You may use any over-the-counter pain medication for mild to moderate discomfort. A prescription for stronger pain medication is provided after surgery. The first dose should be taken before the local wears off. Take pain medication and antibiotics only as directed. Read directions and warnings carefully. Never take more of your prescription than advised. If you have been given a narcotic/opioid, we encourage you to only use as a backup when absolutely necessary. If you suffer from a sore throat, use chloraseptic spray that can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Control of Bleeding
Bite gently on gauze placed in the mouth for 30 minutes allowing blood to form a healthy clot. Remove the gauze, wait a few seconds and observe the treatment area. If it continues to bleed, place water dampened gauze at the surgery area for another 30 minutes. If bleeding has stopped, no further gauze is necessary. Episodes of light bleeding are not unusual after removal of some teeth or following implant surgery. If application of gauze does not stop bleeding on the second try, double wrap a tea bag with a slightly dampened gauze pad and gently apply the tea bag to the area for 45 minutes.
Control of Swelling
OUTSIDE THE MOUTH:
Following the implant placement, place ice packs on your face adjacent to the area for 48 hours. Apply ice packs for 20 minute intervals, meaning 20 minutes on the face and 10 minutes off. The 10 minutes off the face will prevent injury to the skin. Certain grafting products can cause significant swelling.
INSIDE THE MOUTH:
Apply “cold” inside the mouth by using crushed ice, ice cream, sherbet, snow cones or very cold liquid.
HEAD ELEVATION:
Staying upright or sleeping with the head elevated on extra pillows with ice application has great benefits. Treat yourself to a movie.
Eating/Nutrition
Only liquids should be taken until numbness wears off. Soft foods are recommended for up to three months following implant surgery. Use a curved tip syringe for the first few days. Proper nutrition is vital to facilitate healing. Oatmeal and yogurt work well to keep the stomach acids normal especially when taking medication. Not eating correctly can result in fatique, headache, dehydration, and delayed wound healing. If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal caloric intake and medication and monitor your blood sugar carefully. Drink at least four 8oz. glasses of fluid daily. It is very important to have good nutrition for healing.
Oral Hygiene
FOLLOWING IMPLANT SURGERY
Be very careful rinsing or spitting for 48 hours following implant placement. On the third day following surgery, gentle salt water rinses (half teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) are permitted 4 times daily or use the rinse prescribed by your doctor. (Crushed ice/ice water may be held in the mouth). DO NOT RINSE OR SPIT OUT THE ICE. Either swallow the water or let it gently run out of the mouth. Use a soft bristle brush or a child’s soft tooth brush around suture areas until sutures are removed. Use of a Water Pik is helpful at a low setting of 4 to 6 after sutures are removed. The Water Pik can be used normally around the natural teeth and esthetics of new teeth avoiding the surgical site. We recommend the “Water Pik” Brand which can be purchased and any drug or department store.