POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

We care about our patients and we believe in making sure they have more than enough information to be able to take all the necessary precautions in order to make our procedures feel seamless.

That is the reason why we have come up with a list of post-operative instructions to help you take appropriate care of your new implants.

Please read below and pay special attention to our advice and suggestions:

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING DENTAL IMPLANTS:

Placement of dental implants usually does not create a great deal of pain. General postoperative instructions apply, with the exception of rinsing.

DAY 1-2-3 after surgery

DO NOT eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing. This will maximize the potency of the medication.

1. Some degree of discomfort and pain arises a numbness subsides. At the first sign of pain or discomfort, take the prescribed medications. As an alternative you may take 2-4 Advil. If you cannot take aspirin products, then take two Tylenol. If the pain you are having is not controlled by the Advil or "Advil-like" prescription, you may take the prescribed severe pain medicine but only after eating some food. Any pain medications can cause nausea and vomiting. It is very important that you have some food in your stomach before you take them.

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 Waterpik, avoid doing so during the first month of the healing phase. Initial healing may be delayed, active bleeding restarted, or infection introduced.

3. Expect minor bleeding or oozing. If bleeding persists, continue pressure on a fresh sponge 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.  Firm pressure for 15-30 minutes usually controls the problem. If you check too frequently, (every few minutes), the blood clot will not form properly and bleeding will continue. Should active bleeding persist, please call the office. 

Bleeding after surgery may continue for several hours. The best way to stop bleeding is to fold 2 pieces of damp gauze over the extraction site and gently bite for 30-60 minutes making sure pressure is being applied to the extraction site. Rest quietly with your head elevated. If bleeding continues, use gauze for an additional 30 minutes. Bleeding should always be evaluated by looking directly at the surgical site. Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem. The suture material may last 2 to 3 days and should be left alone. You will be asked to return to the office for a 2-week follow-up appointment. Any sutures remaining at that time may be removed at the surgeon’s discretion. Do not pull or cut the sutures yourself.

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4. LIMIT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY during the first 5 days after surgery. Over exertion may lead to postoperative 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. Keep away from direct sunshine during 5 days after surgery.

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5. PAIN FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY will be most severe within the first 6-8 hours after the operation. 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. And 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.

6. SWELLING RELATED TO THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE may occur following certain types of procedures and it is normal and it last 15-30 days for all the mouth tissues to be back again. 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 during the first 4 days after surgery.

7. 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. Drink plenty of fluids.

8. AVOID USING A STRAW FOR 15 DAYS. It may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

9. FOOD SELECTION. You must follow a soft and cold diet during the first 24 hours after the surgery, like the ones you can take just with the fork (pasta, rice, chicken, cheese, etc) which 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. Supplements such as Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast and/or yogurt supply excellent added nutrition.

* DO NOT EAT ANY POPCORN, POPPY SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS OR SEEDED FRUITS. THEY CAN GET STUCK AND CAUSE INFECTION!

*AFTER THE SURGERY AVOID ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND SMOKING FOR 10 DAYS.   DO NOT USE DRUGS.

10. Take any special medication we have prescribed on the special dosing schedule. Yogurt 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.

11. Take any regularly scheduled medication (for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) on your regular schedule unless advised to do otherwise.

12. TRY TO AVOID SMOKING COMPLETELY, as it tends to delay healing and interfere with regeneration.

14. In the event the patient uses any kind of sedation or psychotropic, he is not allowed during the consultation or the rest of the day to perform any physical activity, operate machinery or vehicles or making significant decisions since he will not be able to perform any of these tasks. Therefore, if your treatment is performed under any of these options, it is recommended to come with someone or being picked up by someone.

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THE FOURTH DAY FOLLOWING SURGERY AND THEREAFTER:

On the fourth day following the surgery, rinse your mouth carefully with 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a large glass of warm water. Repeat three times a day until remaining soreness subsides. Please do not use a syringe or water pik during the healing phase.
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT STITCHES. They are usually dissolvable.
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.

Sometimes a soft diet may be necessary for the first few days following surgery. Most patients are able to resume regular food intake within a short time.