Bellflower after Placement of Dental Implants

 

Dental implants need time to heal after being placed, meaning there are a couple of simple instructions you should follow. The first is simple: Do not disturb the wound by rinsing, spitting, or touching the surgical site.

 

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva (spit) is normal for the first 24 hours after surgery. If you experience excessive bleeding (like your mouth rapidly filling with blood) bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes to help soak it up. If bleeding continues after 30 minutes please call us for instructions. This is an uncommon side effect.

 

Swelling

It’s normal to experience swelling after surgery. If it’s irritating, apply an ice pack or a towel filled with ice to the cheek. To greatly reduce swelling, we recommend applying ice as often as possible during the first 36 hours.

 

Diet

It can be difficult to eat after receiving dental implants, so stick to soft foods and liquids that are cold or lukewarm. Please drink plenty of fluids like water and avoid consuming hot substances. After the first 24 hours, try to resume your normal diet. Do NOT drink alcoholic beverages after surgery or while taking pain medication.

 

Pain

Start pain medication as soon as the anesthetic wears off. We recommend 1-2 tablets of Tylenol every 4 hours for moderate pain. You can also take Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) if you prefer. Do not exceed 3200 mg of Ibuprofen daily, as too much pain medication can cause damage to the internal organs. If the patient is under 18, please contact us for instructions regarding pain management. Do NOT take two medications at the same time.

If pain is severe, take prescribed medication as directed. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Pain should subside over the next few days. If it doesn’t, please call the office.

 

Antibiotics

Take your prescribed antibiotics as directed. Please finish the entire pack and do NOT share your medicine with others. It’s necessary to take the antibiotics to prevent infection at the surgical site.

 

Oral Hygiene

To heal properly, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. The night of the surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before going to bed. Follow all of the instructions. The day after surgery, use the Peridex twice a day: once after breakfast and once before bed. Rinse it around the mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

If you want to better take care of the wound, you can make a warm salt water rinse by combining one teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water.

Finally, gently brush your teeth and the healing abutments on a regular basis. Brushing your teeth should be done at least twice a day to stop the buildup of plaque and bacteria.

 

Activity

Reduce strenuous physical activity like running, biking, or CrossFit after surgery. If you exercise, bleeding and throbbing can occur in the surgery site.

 

Wearing your Prosthesis

If you have a prosthesis like partial dentures, full dentures, or flippers, do not use them for at least 10 days after surgery. Remember to follow all of the instructions discussed during your pre-operative consultation.