Implants Post Operative Instructions

DISCOMFORT AND MEDICATIONS: Oral surgery, like other surgical procedures, may  be associated with varying degrees of discomfort. this depends on the procedure involved and individual differences.

All medications should be taken strictly as perscribed. Take the first dose of painkillers (if perscribed) while the surgical site is still numb. Antibiotics (if perscribed) should be taken as directed until all are finished, as long as there are no adverse reactions or discomfort (itching, redness, etc.). Start rising gently (no swishing) with the prescribed mouth rinse only the day after the surgery. This rinse will keep the surgical area clean while it is healing. Rinse twice daily for one minute (very gently).

BLEEDING: Slight bleeding from the surgical site for one or two days is not unusual and is not a major concern. Should excessive bleeding occur, apply a moistened tea bag (not herbal tea) to the bleeding site with firm, but gentle pressure for 15 minutes; let rest for 15 minutes, then repeat for a second time only. If bleeding persists, please call our clinic immediately.

SUTURES: Sutures are placed to hold the tissues in the proper position for ideal healing. If sutures were placed, your surgeon  will usually want you to return after a week or two so that they can be removed. Do not disturb the sutures with your tongue, toothbrush or in any other manner since displacement will impair healing. If you notice that a suture has come out or come loose, notify your dentist or surgeon during regular office hours.

DRESSING: A periodontal dressing is often used to cover the surgical site. The dressing is placed around your teeth to protect the surgical area and should not be disturbed. If the dressing should become loose or fall off, and there is no increase in the level of discomfort, it is okay to leave it off.

DIET: A soft diet is recommended. Avoid chewing in the area of surgery. Avoid hard, fibrous, or “sharp” foods (such as crisps) as these may be uncomfortable and can dislodge the periodontal dressing. Drink plenty of liquids.

it is important to maintain as normal a diet as possible that is high in protein, minerals and vitamins, to support post-operative healing. Now is not the time to start dieting, since this can have detrimental effects on healing and lessen the chances of success of the surgical therapy.

ORAL HYGIENE: Continue to brush and floss the teeth that were not involved in the surgery (or covered by the periodontal dressing). The surgical area should not be disturbed for the first week post-operatively. However, you may rinse gently with salt water or with a mouthwash if prescribed by your dentist. After your sutures have been removed, you should lightly clean the teeth using a soft toothbrush or as instructed by your dentist.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: After leaving the surgery, if possible, relax as much as possible for the remainder of the day. No strenuous activity for several days.

SWELLING: Some swelling is normal and may begin immediately after surgery. To minimise swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of the face in the operated area, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for a period of 4 hours. The ice should be placed in a plastic bag and then wrapped in a thin cloth towel. You should always keep your head elevated above the level of your heart during the first 24 hours after the surgery. This may necessitate the use of several pillows to support your head and upper body while sleeping.

If swelling occurs, it usually disappears after several days, Any unusual or large swelling should be reported to our clinic at once.

SMOKING AND ALCOHOL: All smoking should be stopped until after your sutures have been removed to ensure the best healing and success. Healing results are significantly worse in smokers than in non-smokers.