A dental implant has just been placed in your mouth. The implant is located in the bone, under the tissue & usually cannot be seen. The implant will remain submerged for a period of 4 to 6 months, depending upon your body’s healing properties & the type of implant placed.  NEVER USE A WATER PICK NEAR YOUR IMPLANT IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY. IT CAN CAUSE THE IMPLANT TO FAIL.
​

• 2 weeks following your surgery, you will need to have your sutures removed and be examined by the doctor.
• If you wear a partial, denture, flipper or essex retainer- you may take it out to brush, eat, use the surgical post op brush or use salt water rinse. Keep the appliance as clean as possible at all times. You may soak it in efferdent cleaner, brush it lightly and rinse it cleaner. However, you will need to wear it during the night while you’re sleeping on the very first night of the day you had surgery. After the very first night of wearing your appliance, you should take it out every night after that, it will help tissue to heal. (Unless you have been directed otherwise)

 

• NO VIGOROUS RINSING, SPITTING, OR SUCKING THROUGH A STRAW FOR 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR SURGERY. IT WILL PROLONG HEALING TIME.
• NO SMOKING AT ALL! You can’t be around anyone who does smoke for 3 days. Smoke, nicotine and heat, slow down your healing time and can cause the implant(s) to fail.
• No Alcohol to drink for 30 hours after your surgery. We also advise not to use rinses with alcohol in it until the sutures are removed, as it will dry out the tissues and prevent healing.
• Salt Water - You will do salt water rinses 3 to 4 times daily for two weeks after surgery- Use ½ teaspoon of salt in a 6 ounce glass of warm water. (Be very gentle when doing so- hold at that side of your mouth and tilt your head side to side vs. rinsing. Lean over sink and let the water fall out. Do Not Spit.
• ULTRA SOFT TOOTH BRUSH. Please begin using the brush given to you 24 hours after your surgery to cleanse and stimulate the tissue. It will not harm the sutures. Dip the brush into salt water rinse and brush directly on the surgical site. Sutures should be brushed at least twice a day.
• Antibiotics:
  • If an antibiotic has been prescribed for you, it is extremely import that it is taken until gone. Should you develop hives, rash, itching or difficulty breathing, PLEASE STOP THE MEDICATION AND CALL OUR OFFICE, YOUR DOCTOR AND GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.
  • Please follow prescriptions given to you prior and after your surgery.
• Pain:
  • A certain amount of pain is to be expected with all types of surgery.
  • A pain medication has been prescribed for you, take it as directed. It is advised that you do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking the medication.
  • Motrin/Ibuprofen/Advil- these are all the same type of medication. Please take 600mg every 4 to 6 hours following your surgery for 3 days. This type of medication is not only for pain but is an anti-inflammatory as well, which will help with swelling. If you are not able to take this type of medication, take Tylenol extra strength 500mg every 4 to 6 hours for 3 days.
• Swelling:
  • Some swelling is to be expected and possible bruising may occur and is not unusual. In most cases, swelling can be prevented or controlled. Please use an ICE PACK applied to the outside of your face on the surgery side for 20 MINUTES ON AND 20 MINUTES OFF FOLLOWING YOUR PROCEDURE. It is best to use the ice pack for 24 to 48 hours, following your surgery. If after 3 days you still have swelling or pain, please call our office. IF URGENT, and it is after hours call our office and an emergency number will be provided or your call will be forwarded. If not, please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.
• Bleeding:
  • You will experience a small amount of bleeding and this is normal. If it is excessive (Blood filling your entire mouth within seconds) please call our office.
• Diet:
  • Soft cold things are OK right away such as:
    • Jello, Pudding, Yogurt, Milk Shake, Ice Cream, Frosty, Carnation Breakfast or Ensure.
  • Nothing hot the day of surgery, but as you may have warm and soft food such as:
    • Mashed Potatoes, Eggs, Soup, Broth, Soft Noodles.
  • Avoid chewing on the implant site until the doctor or staff informs you that it is OK to do so. You may have other foods days following that are more normal although it is up to what you personally can tolerate, just no chips, nuts, or anything sharp or chewy like gum or hard bread.