Postoperative Instructions Following Implant Surgery

1. Some degree of discomfort and pain may arise after the numbness subsides. Pain following implant surgery will be most severe within the first 6-8 hours after the operation. Please take pain medication and oral rinse (Peridex) as discussed with your doctor. (Please note the mouth rinse may stain your teeth but the stain is completely reversible). Please do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking prescription medication. Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable before using some form of pain medication, as then it will be more difficult to control. Moderate to severe pain usually does not last longer than 48 hours. Furthermore, mild discomfort usually diminishes after the third day. Please contact us if you experience prolonged severe pain so that we can help make you more comfortable. Take any special medication we have prescribed on the special dosing schedule. Yoghurt with active cultures or acidophilus should be taken while on antibiotics to prevent diarrhea. It is important to take the antibiotics to completion. If you are given antibiotics and take birth control pills, you should be aware that the birth control may become ineffective, therefore take appropriate precautions. Take any regularly scheduled medication (for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) on your regular schedule unless advised to do otherwise Any swelling, soreness or stiffness in the jaw muscles can be relieved by applying a warm, moist towel to the affected side of the face.

2. Do not disturb the area of surgery. Allowing the tissues to rest undisturbed assists the healing process. Avoid vigorous chewing, excessive spitting, or aggressive rinsing. If you routinely use a Water Pik, avoid doing so during the healing phase. Initial healing may be delayed, active bleeding restarted, or infection introduced.

3. Expect minor bleeding or oozing. If bleeding persists, continue applying pressure with fresh gauze for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. Biting on a moist teabag wrapped in gauze may help control persistent oozing from the surgical site. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps promote blood clotting.

4. Swelling related to the surgical procedure may occur following certain types of procedures. An ice pack should be placed on the side of your face for 20 minutes then taken off for 10 minutes and repeated. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil, also help decrease swelling.

5. Limit physical activity during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Over exertion may lead to post-operative bleeding and discomfort. When you lie down, keep your head elevated on a pillow. You may wish to place a towel on your pillowcase to avoid staining from any blood-tainted saliva.

6. Fluid intake is important. Clear beverages, ginger-ale, Seven-Up or Sprite, water, teas, soda, broth, soups, or juices are all suitable. Avoid hot liquids until the numbness has worn off, and the bleeding has stopped. Avoid using a straw for several days. It may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

7. Food selection: Soft, cool foods are most easily tolerated. A nutritious diet is most important to your comfort and temperament. Remember that eating can prevent nausea sometimes associated with certain medications. Do not eat any popcorn, poppy seeds, sesame seeds or seeded fruits. They can get stuck and cause infection.

8. Try to avoid smoking completelyon the day of the surgery as well as the following day. It tends to delay healing and interfere with regeneration.

9. Do not worry about stitches. They are usually dissolvable.

10. Bruising marks may appear on the skin of the face during the first few days after surgery.

11. Should any undue reactions or complications arise, notify the office immediately.