After Placement of Dental Implants

We understand that undergoing dental implant surgery can be a significant step in your oral health journey. To ensure a smooth and successful recovery, it is essential to follow proper post-operative instructions. Adhering to these guidelines will optimize your healing process and maximize the longevity of your dental implants. By following these instructions carefully, our Carbondale patients can confidently navigate through the post-surgery period and achieve a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will 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 a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.

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.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 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 the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. 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.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.

Contact Us About Your Recovery Concerns

The recovery period following dental implant surgery varies for each individual and depends on various factors such as the number of implants placed, overall oral health, and the body’s natural healing process.

While the initial healing phase may take a few weeks, it’s important to remember that complete osseointegration, the process where the implants fuse with the jawbone, can take several months. During this time, it is crucial to adhere to your dentist’s instructions, maintain good oral hygiene, and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your implants. Rest assured, our experienced team will be with you every step of the way, providing support and guidance throughout your recovery journey.

With proper care and patience, you can look forward to enjoying the long-term benefits of dental implants, including improved oral function, enhanced aesthetics, and increased confidence in your smile.