After Dental Implant Surgery

Implant Post-Operative Instructions

1.       BLEEDING:  Maintain gentle biting pressure on the gauze packing for 30-60 minutes after your extraction. Some bleeding or “oozing” is normal for the first 24 hours.  Do not be alarmed.  For persistent bleeding, gauze may be replaced.  If excessive bleeding persists longer than a few hours, contact the office for further instructions.

2.       MEDICATIONS / PRESCRIPTIONS:  For moderate pain, you may take 1000mg of Tylenol every 6-8 hours. You may also take up to 800mg of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) three times daily, or every 4-6 hours. Ibuprofen may be taken in conjunction with Tylenol, alternating medications every 1-2 hours.  For severe pain use the prescription that is given to you by the doctor.  Pain medicine should be taken before the local anesthetic wears off.

·         Take all medications as prescribed.

·         Do not take pain medications on an empty stomach. (1 cup of clear liquids should be taken before medications are given).

·         Do not mix medications with alcoholic beverages. While taking narcotic pain medication that may make you sleepy, it is very important to avoid driving a vehicle or operating any heavy machinery.

·         IMPORTANT:  If an antibiotic is prescribed, all female patients utilizing birth control pills must be advised that you need to use an alternative method of birth control during this time.

·         **Prescriptions will not be refilled outside of business hours.  In the rare circumstance that a refill is needed, you must be seen by the doctor during regular business hours.**

3.       SWELLING and BRUISING:  Swelling may vary depending on the difficulty of your extraction.  Apply ice packs for the first 24 hours (20 minutes on-20 minutes off.) Bruising may be present at varying degrees.  It will subside over a period of 5-14 days.

4.       BRUSHING AND RINSING:  Do not brush, rinse or spit for the first 24 hours.  After that use a warm salt-water rinse following meals and before bedtime. (1 teaspoon of salt in an 8oz. glass of warm water.) Continue to do so over the next few weeks. If Chlorhexidine (an antibiotic rinse) is given, use that in place of salt-water and follow the directions on the bottle. Do not use an electric toothbrush for at least 6 weeks following implant placement.

5.       DIET:  Diet may consist of soft foods that can be easily chewed and swallowed.  Avoid hot temperature foods until the numbness wears off.  Avoid hot and spicy foods, seeds, nuts, popcorn, etc.  Drink plenty of fluids.  Avoid using a straw for 24 hours; doing so may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.  Supplements such as Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast provide excellent added nutrition.  Advance diet as tolerated.

6.       SUTURES:  If sutures were placed, they will dissolve on their own within 7-14 days.

7.       SMOKING:  Smoking is detrimental to healing.  Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco for several days to decrease the chance of delayed healing and infection.

8.       ACTIVITY:  Limit activity during the first 3 days after surgery.  Over exertion may lead to post-operative bleeding and discomfort.

9.       MUSCLE STIFFNESS:  Tenderness and stiffness within the chewing muscles may develop during the post-operative period and should not alarm you.  It can be treated with moist heat therapy or ice.  It will slowly resolve over a 5 to 10 day period.

Note:  If the patient was sedated for the surgery, a responsible adult must accompany them home and stay for the remainder of the day.  Local anesthesia will be present for 1-4 hours.  Do not bite or pinch your lip or tongue until the numbness wears off.

Maintaining Your Implants and Restorations:

Dr. Garvey and your restorative dentist will schedule periodic check-up visits to make sure your jaws are healthy and the implants and prosthesis are functioning properly. However, your own personal care of the implant is just as important as regular professional care.

To ensure many years of service from your dental implants, practice meticulous oral hygiene according to the instructions provided by your dentist and hygienist.  Abutment posts, beneath the prostheses, artificial teeth and gum tissue must be kept clean. Home care aids such as special brushes and floss holders will help you accomplish this. If you do not keep your implant and prosthesis (crown) clean, your implant may fail.

While there is no guarantee of 100% success, with careful planning by Dr. Garvey and your restorative dentist prior to your surgery, and proper self-maintenance, you can expect many years of use from your dental implants. In fact, current literature reports that the vast majority of implants placed 20 or more years ago are still in service, functioning normally. Thousands of people have rediscovered the joy of eating properly, speaking clearly and laughing comfortably through the use of dental implants.