DENTAL CARE TIPS AFTER YOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS

The aftermath of dental implants are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions indicated here may apply to everyone. Follow these guidelines or call our office if you have any questions about your recovery from dental implant surgery. Please note that Madison Avenue Dentists post-operative care has no additional charge when you visit the office.

Bleeding

Usually, bleeding is very minimal since the wound is often shut with sutures. The sutures are usually the dissolving type which will fall out on their own after almost a week.

Bleeding and oozing may be expected during the first 24 hours after the dental implant surgery. Please keep firm biting pressure on the gauze pack over the surgery site for about one hour. Remove the gauze and then check the site for bleeding. If significant bleeding continues, a new gauze pack should be placed and firm pressure should be applied for one hour. Repeat as necessary.

Please avoid vigorous chewing, spitting, or rinsing your mouth or sucking through a straw for 24 hours. Allowing the tissues to rest can fasten the healing process. Avoid continually pulling at your lip to check the operative site.

Swelling

Depending on the procedure, you may or may not experience swelling. Swelling may be at a maximum about 2 or 3 days after surgery. Keeping your head elevated or sitting in a reclined chair with several pillows will help reduce swelling. Ice packs applied continuously are helpful too for the first day or so.

Oral Hygiene

The day following your dental implant surgery, it is recommended that you begin rinsing your mouth with warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Continue rinsing with the saltwater mixture approximately 3 or 4 times a day over the next few days following your surgery.

Brush your teeth and gums as normal except being gentle in an area where the procedure was performed.

Diet

Soft Diet is advisable for the first days after surgery. The day of your surgery, start with nourishing liquids and soft/colder foods, such as ice cream, pudding, yogurt, etc. Avoid extremely hot foods, foods with sharp edges just like chips and pretzels. Do not chew immediately over the surgery area. Avoid straws for the first 24 hours. Gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated.

Activity

Limit physical activity during the first 24–48 hours after surgery. Overexertion may lead to post-operative 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.

Smoking

It is advisable that you refrain from smoking for at least 3 days after the surgery, as this increases the risk of infection and may delay healing.

Pain Management

Initially, you may have some discomfort. Your dentist will give you painkillers to relieve pain. The pain will gradually diminish. If the medication was prescribed, use it according to the directions as needed. Make sure you get some type of food or a drink in your stomach before taking your prescription pain medication, as otherwise, it can make you feel nauseated.

Dental Posthesis

As was discussed at your pre-operative consultation, partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used after the dental implants unless otherwise advised by your doctor. These may need to be adjusted at or after your first post-operative return visit.

Madison Avenue Dentists, PC Post-Op Visits

It is important to return for your post-op visit, generally scheduled 1–2 weeks after treatment.

Contact Dr. Stella Oh or Dr. Estafan if you have questions or problems before that time.