Surgical Instructions

After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal post protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue and this is normal.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is expected for the first 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call the office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply ice to the cheek over the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously while awake, for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery with an emphasis on plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

After surgery, medication will be prescribed according to your anticipated level of discomfort. Take your pain medication before numbness from the local anesthetic is gone and repeat on a regular schedule for the first 24-48 hours. Take medication with a milk shake or other beverage to avoid nausea. Do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, or drink alcohol while taking pain medication. Keep a log of all medications taken, noting the time and amount taken, to ensure appropriate dosing. If pain is not relieved by the medication, you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Please take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. You should be given a prescription mouth rinse that you can begin to use the day after surgery. Use this rinse twice a day and be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. You can also use warm salt-water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) up to five times a day, especially after meals. Brush the teeth adjacent to the surgical site gently, beginning the day after surgery. Dr. Pennington will tell you when to begin brushing the surgical site.

Activity

Keep physical activity to a minimum the day of and following your surgery. Avoid vigorous exercise for 7 days after surgery. When you do resume regular exercise, be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. If you get lightheaded or dizzy, stop exercising.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be worn after surgery for at least ten days unless instructed otherwise.