After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the site. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. If you have a stay plate, do no wear this unless it has been checked to make certain it does not put pressure on the implant(s)

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for up to 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding area for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the cheek in the area of surgery will keep the swelling to a minimum. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids and hot foods on the day of the procedure. Stick to soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. You may return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication before you feel the anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, ibuprofen or a similar medication may be taken. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-4 tablets may be taken every 6 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take any prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is important for good healing. Be gentle initially with 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.