After Placement of Dental Implants

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 72 hours.

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-4 tablets may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

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

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex/Periogard antibacterial mouth rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex/Periogard antibacterial mouth rinse should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then expectorate. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 6- 8 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may be used immediately after surgery. If these are used, we will discuss the oral care that may be necessary.