After Dental Implant Surgery

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

Following your dental implant surgery, it is essential to adhere to specific post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and recovery. Here are detailed guidelines by our oral Surgeon in Richardson, TX, to follow:

Wound Care

Do Not Disturb the Surgical Site: Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the surgical area on the day of your procedure. This includes refraining from disturbing the metal healing abutment that will be visible above your gum tissue. Keeping the area undisturbed will help facilitate proper healing.

Bleeding

Normal Bleeding: It’s common to experience some bleeding or a pinkish tint in your saliva during the first 24 hours after surgery.

Managing Excessive Bleeding: If you notice excessive bleeding, where your mouth fills rapidly with blood, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. If the bleeding does not subside after this, please call our office for further guidance.

Swelling

Anticipated Swelling: Swelling is a natural part of the healing process following surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack or a plastic bag filled with ice wrapped in a towel to your cheek in the area of the surgery.

Application of Ice: For the first 36 hours, apply the ice continuously as much as possible. This will help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Diet

Fluid Intake: It’s crucial to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid hot liquids or foods that can irritate the surgical site.

Soft Diet: On the day of your surgery, consume soft foods and liquids. Gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Pain Management

Pain Relief Medication: Begin taking your prescribed pain medication as soon as you start to feel the effects of the local anesthetic wearing off. For mild to moderate pain, you may take one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3-4 hours.

Alternative Pain Relief: Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can also be used in place of Tylenol. Over-the-counter ibuprofen typically comes in 200 mg tablets; you can take 2-3 tablets every four hours, not exceeding 3200 mg in a day for adults. Please consult our office regarding dosage for individuals under 18.

Do Not Mix Medications: Avoid taking Tylenol and ibuprofen at the same time. If you experience severe pain, follow the prescription instructions provided. If you have any allergies or have been advised by your doctor not to take certain medications, please refrain from doing so.

Safety Precautions: Do not operate a vehicle or machinery while under the influence of medication. Avoid alcohol during your recovery. Pain and discomfort should gradually decrease; if pain persists or worsens, contact our office for further evaluation.

Antibiotics

Preventing Infection: Take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to reduce the risk of infection following your surgery. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial for your recovery.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining Cleanliness: Good oral hygiene is vital for healing.

On the night following your surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed.

Starting the day after your surgery, use Peridex twice daily—after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds, and then spit it out.

Additionally, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) 4-5 times a day, especially after meals.

Brush your teeth gently, including the healing abutments, being cautious around the surgical areas.

Activity and Exercise

Limit Physical Activity: Minimize physical activities immediately after your surgery. Engaging in strenuous exercise may lead to increased throbbing or bleeding.

Monitoring Your Condition: If you do experience discomfort while exercising, stop immediately. Remember that you might not be consuming your usual nutrition, which could affect your energy levels and ability to engage in physical activities.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Post-Surgery Denture Care: Do not use partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures for at least 10 days after surgery, as discussed in your pre-operative consultation. This will help avoid irritation and allow for proper healing.