After Implants / Bone Grafting

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There might be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is normally expected after oral surgery, and will not reach its maximum until two to three days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be applied for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 12-24 hours. After 24 hours, ice has no beneficial effect, and it is best to switch to moist heat to the sides of the face, reducing the degree of the swelling.

Diet

Eat nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. For the first day, you should be on a soft diet (creamed soups, eggs, puddings, yogurt, milkshakes, etc). Avoid foods like nuts or foods with seeds which may become lodged in the socket areas. Over the next days, you can progress to solid foods at your own pace. Minimally maintain your hydration with plenty of fluids, but don’t skip meals. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort, and heal faster if you continue to eat.

Pain

Pain after oral surgery is variable. But, it is best to utilize the prescription pain medicine before the anesthetic has worn off. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery while utilizing narcotic pain medicine. 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

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics will be given to help prevent infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for good healing. Warm salt-water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least four to five times a day, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth with the healing abutments is not a problem. Be gentle initially when brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Open Sinus Instructions

If you were informed of a sinus perforation, then follow these instructions for 21 days. Take all prescribed medications as directed. Refrain from vigorous mouth rinsing. Do not smoke. Do not blow your nose. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed. Avoid strenuous exercise. Do not engage in scuba diving, snorkeling, flying, or any activity that would cause a pressure change between the nose and the mouth. Strict adherence to these instructions may prevent the necessity of a surgical closure at a later time.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Use of partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may or may not be advisable immediately after surgery. Our doctors will specifically recommend the proper use of dental prosthesis, for each patient, after surgery.