Dental Implant Post Operative Instructions
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, brushing, or touching the implant area on the day of surgery.
​
BLEEDING
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call the office.
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 continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.
DIET
Drink plenty of fluids;staying hydrated is vital for healing. 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 unless otherwise directed.
PAIN
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. The golden formula for discomfort is :
600mg Ibuprofen + 500mg Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed with a full glass of water
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. Please let us know, and we'll prescribe an alternative. 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.
Day 3 following any surgery will be the most sore, and then symptoms improve after.
ANTIBIOTICS
If prescribed antibiotics, be sure to finish the antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
ORAL HYGIENE
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily; after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.
ACTIVITY
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. Exercise may resume on day 3 post surgery.
​
Should you feel you are experiencing any symtpoms not described above, please call the office at 816-229-4560. You may reach the doctors after hours via the phone prompt.