Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions

What are my post-operative instructions?

• Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do not rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 2 weeks, since it is detrimental to healing.
• 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. Change the gauze pad every 30 minutes as needed. If excessive bleeding continues, please call for further instructions. (In general, use as little pressure as is needed.) Remove gauze when it is no longer needed.
• Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Wait 24hrs to start warm saltwater rinsing (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water). Warm saltwater rinses should be used at least 4–5 times a day, especially after meals. If you are given a prescription for Peridex™ Oral Rinse, rinse for 30 seconds and spit twice per day. You may gently brush the tooth surfaces of the adjacent teeth the day after surgery, as long as the bristles don’t disturb the surgical site. You may floss normally, starting the day of surgery, if comfortable, but avoid the areas that have stitches between the teeth.
• Do not use waterpik  or electric toothbrush directly near the surgical site for at least 2-3 weeks. 
• If sutures (stitches) were placed, they are almost always the type that will dissolve and fall out within the first week or so after surgery, unless told otherwise. 

What should my activity level be? 

• If you have received IV sedation do not drive for 24 hours or while taking Narcotics.

Are there diet restrictions after surgery? 

DO NOT CHEW ON YOUR NEW IMPLANT. Chewing on your implant before your surgeon has determined that it is completely healed may make it fail. Take out gauze packs while eating. Eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. Avoid extremely hot foods. Avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc., that may get lodged in the socket areas. Over the next several days, you can progress to solid foods at your own pace. It is important not to skip meals!

How do I manage pain after surgery? 

• After oral surgery procedures, pain is best managed with scheduled doses of NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen (up to 3200 mg daily) and Acetaminophen (up to 3000 mg daily). 
• If you are prescribed Ibuprofen 800mg, then alternate that with over-the-counter Acetaminophen (Tylenol 500mg) every 4 hours. For example, Take Ibuprofen 800mg at 12 o’clock then take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg 4’clock then Ibuprofen 800mg again at 8 o’clock. Continue alternating between the two every 4 hours. 
• If you are prescribed Ibuprofen 600mg, then alternate that with over-the-counter Acetaminophen (Tylenol 500mg) every 3 hours. For example, Take Ibuprofen 600mg at 12 o’clock then take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg 3’clock then Ibuprofen 800mg again at 6 o’clock. Continue alternating between the two every 3 hours
• In addition to the above medications, short term opioids (oxycodone or hydrocodone) may be prescribed by your provider. We recommend that you limit opioid use to instances when you feel severe pain (8/10 or more) despite scheduled doses of NSAIDs and acetaminophen
• Use of opioids (even short-term use) may lead to physical dependence and addiction. 
• To dispose of used opioids, return to opioid take back clinics or pharmacies. You can also mix it with coffee grounds in a sealed bag and dispose of it in the garbage. Do not flush the opioids down the drain.

When should I call my doctor?

• If you have increased swelling or bruising, severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
• If you have any side effects to medications such as rash, nausea, headache, vomiting, increased irritability, or constipation. 
• If you have an oral temperature over 100.5 degrees. Check to make sure you are getting enough liquids. Dehydration can cause the body temperature to rise.

Who should I call if I have questions? 

• If you have questions during normal business hours please call 706-860-8228