surgical instructions
Procedures
Dental implants are often described as “the Cadillac” of the options for replacing lost or missing teeth. Placing implants is a surgical procedure, and therefore best accomplished by someone with training and education in surgery and implant dentistry.
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. In some cases, there will be a metal healing abutment (post) protruding through the gum tissue.
surgical instructions
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding 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.
surgical instructions
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling we will provide you with a reusable ice pack that can be placed over the surgical site on a 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off schedule. Use of the ice pack beyond 24 hours often provides little benefit, and in some cases, can make you more uncomfortable.
surgical instructions
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. 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.
surgical instructions
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.our surgical teamor the Nursing Staff will review the proper use of all pain medications, be they prescription or otherwise.
surgical instructions
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
surgical instructions
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The use of saltwater rinses in the early post-operative period is encouraged. Additionally, you may choose to use over-the-counter mouth rinse as part of your oral hygiene regimen. Look for the alcohol-free rinses that are found in the oral hygiene aisle of your pharmacy. It is also important to brush gently around the healing abutment in the first few days following surgery. If you are too aggressive, sutures may break loose and cause wither bleeding or discomfort.
surgical instructions
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.
surgical instructions
Wearing Your Prosthesis
Partial or complete dentures are generally left out of the mouth for the first week following implant placement. When you return for follow-up, please ensure that you bring your denture with you asour surgical team will adjust the prosthesis to allow use during the remainder of the healing process. On occasion, it may be necessary to leave the prosthesis out for longer than a week, but every effort will be made to minimize this inconvenience.
Surgical Instructions FAQ
Questions About Dental Implant Surgery
What should I follow after dental implant surgery?
Follow the instructions provided by the surgical team, including guidance on bleeding, swelling, medication, diet, oral hygiene, activity, and when to call the office.
Can I eat normally after dental implant surgery?
Patients are usually advised to start with soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the surgical area until the team confirms appropriate healing.
When should I call after implant surgery?
Call the office if bleeding, swelling, pain, fever, medication reaction, or healing concerns seem unusual or worsen after initial improvement.