Dental Implant Post Op Instructions
DISCLAIMER – Please note these are generic postop instructions intended for use after dental implant surgery. Each patient and each case is different. You will be provided with your own, written postop instructions that is unique to your case. Please try to follow your own postop instructions. The instructions below are meant to provide a general overview of the postop instructions for dental implants.
Please do your best not to disturb the surgical site. Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or touching the surgical site for the first few weeks. Typically there are sutures placed at the surgical site that help maintain the integrity of the gums. These sutures are to be left alone and only to be removed by us. Also, there may be a “healing abutment” or cap that sits on top of the implant as its osseointegrating. And in some unique cases, Dr. Massoomi may place a temporary crown on the implant. Please try to avoid chewing on this cap or the temporary crown, otherwise it may loosen. If you notice anything loose on top of the implant, please call the office ASAP so we can tighten it down. It is not a good idea to have something loose on top of the implant as it may lead to bone loss and damage to the implant itself, requiring the removal of the implant.
BLEEDING AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for the first few days, however with each passing day the bleeding / oozing should decrease. On rare occasional due to increased blood pressure or undiagnosed high blood pressure, additional bleeding may be noted. This can be easily controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 1 hour. If bleeding continues please call our office for further instructions.
SWELLING AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. It is the body’s natural healing mechanism that begins to appear the day after surgery and may last up to 3-5 days after surgery. This is why we recommend applying using our compression dressing for the first two days. The re-freezable gel-packs in the compression dressing will help to keep things cool in order to reduce the swelling. Apply this dressing to the face as much as possible for the first 2 days…the more, the better!
WHAT TO EAT AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY
Hydration after surgery is very important. Drink plenty of nutritional fluids, as dehydration is one of the most common causes of post-op nausea. Avoid very hot liquids or food as you may still be numb from the local anesthesia and may burn yourself! We typically recommend a liquid, soft, non-chewing diet until we see you back for your first postop appointment. We want to avoid chance of traumatizing the surgical site. After your first post-op appointment with Dr. Massoomi, you may be cleared to resume your regular diet but each case is different. If ever in doubt about what you should or should not do, just give us a call.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
As a general rule, you should begin taking pain medications prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. For your convenience Dr. Massoomi will provide you will long-lasting local anesthesia during the surgery and pain medication through your IV, in order to allow you enough time to get your prescriptions filled on the way home. Only take the prescribed medications as directed. Try not to mix with any other medication including over-the-counter medications and/or herbal supplements.
ANTIBIOTICS
In certain cases we may provide you with antibiotics prior to surgery. Please take as directed to help prevent any complication with the implant and infections after surgery. As always we recommend probiotics anytime you are placed on any antibiotic. Probiotics can be easily found near the dairy section of most grocery store.
ORAL HYGIENE
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. In most cases, we will provide you with a prescription for a mouthwash called “Peridex” or “chlorohexadine”. Studies show a reduction in post-op infections with the use of this mouthwash. After surgery, Peridex should be used after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene and to remove any residual food debris that may later lead to infections. Be sure to soak the mouth for 20- 30 seconds with Peridex, then gently tilt you head over the sink to allow the mouthwash to spill out. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can be used instead, if the Peridex or other over-the-counter mouthwashes are not available. Brushing the other remaining teeth, while avoiding the surgical site is highly recommended. Please do not brush the surgical site, as this may disturb the wound and lead to premature loss of sutures and other critical material that is typically placed around implants.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Keep physical activities to a minimum until we see you back for you first postop appointment. Give your joints some rest! Any increase in your heart and blood pressure can lead to additional bleeding, bruising and/or swelling. If you exercise too early, throbbing or bleeding may occur, which may lead to complications and the loss of the implant. Also please keep in mind that after surgery you are probably not taking your normal nourishment, which may weaken you and limit your ability to exercise.
WEARING YOUR PROSTHESIS
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery. We will tell you when it is safe to do so, as each case is unique and requires personalized instructions.
Don’t Worry After Dental Implant Surgery
Rest assured that San Francisco dental implant specialist Dr. Massoomi will guide you through proper dental implant care and maintenance after your dental implant surgery.
To learn more about dental implant post-op instructions, please give us a call at either our San Francisco or Cupertino office. We look forward to smoothly guiding you through the recovery process.