Post-Op Care Instructions - Implants

Implants 

  1. Some bleeding should be expected following implant placement. Sleep in a semi-reclined position, and avoid physical activity for the first 72  hours. If bleeding persists, bite down on gauze with moderate pressure for 30-minute intervals to stop bleeding. If bleeding will not stop, call our office. 

  2. If there is still slight bleeding at bedtime, it is a good idea to place a  towel over your pillow to avoid blood stains on your bedding. 

  3. Swelling is normal and is the body’s way of healing itself. Most swelling occurs 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Ice packs should be placed on the outside of the face in the areas of surgery. Use the ice packs for 20 minutes per hour as needed.  Ice packs are recommended for up to the first 36 hours, after which moist heat will aid in healing. If swelling or fever persists, call our office. 

  4. Pain should be controlled with prescription medication or over-the-counter medications. Avoid driving, alcohol, or working with machinery when on prescription narcotic pain medications. If the pain does not subside in a few days, call our office. 

  5. After surgery, liquids should be taken at first. No straws! Drink from a cup to avoid dislodging any clots.  Eating will become easier as healing time increases. 

  6. Keep your mouth clean. Brush gently around the teeth near the surgery, and rinse softly as not to dislodge any sutures. Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the surgical sites should be avoided. 

  7. If antibiotics are prescribed, they should be taken as directed to prevent infection. If a rash or any other allergic reaction occurs,  discontinue use and call our office or go to the nearest 24-hour medical facility.

  8. If nausea or vomiting occurs, do not eat. Treat nausea with traditional over-the-counter remedies. If these conditions continue,  call our office. 

  9. Numbness of the lip, tongue, or anywhere on the face is usually temporary in nature. Be careful not to bite your lip, tongue, or cheek.  Call our office if the numbness persists for more than 24 hours. 

  10. Corners of the mouth can sometimes crack requiring ointment.  Sore throats and pain to swallowing are not uncommon and dissipate with time. Jaw soreness is also common and will usually go away with time. The facial discoloration is normal and will return to normal with the use of moist heat. 

  11. Our practice uses non-dissolving sutures. Therefore, if sutures were placed, you will need to return to have them removed approximately two weeks from placement. 

  12. Most cases heal without incident.  However, every surgery is different,  so if something doesn’t feel right,  just call. 

    FOLLOW UP SCHEDULE 

    2 WEEKS 

    •Follow-up & suture removal 

    3-4 MONTHS 

    •Follow-up to check integration and stability of the implant 

    FINAL 

    •Shorty following 3-4 month   appt 

    •Placement of final restora-  tion (typically a single 90-minute visit)