Post Operative Instructions Following Dental Implants

It is essential for the early healing process that the following instructions are observed:

Rinses

Beginning the day of your surgery, rinse the mouth using the non-alcohol mouth wash given to you. This is important for both healing and hygiene purposes. These rinses should be repeated after eating, and as often as every hour. It is important to rinse every time after eating. Continue brushing your teeth as usual.

Diet

Only a liquid diet may be consumed during the first two days to avoid inadvertent food particles contaminating the wound. Your doctor will tell you when you may resume a normal diet. A list of dietary suggestions will be given to you.

Smoking

Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours following surgery, as this affects the healing process.

Old Dentures

May not be worn until refitting adjustments (relining) have been made. Insertion of dentures too early may jeopardize a successful healing process.

Rest

It is always important to get plenty of rest with any surgery or illness.

Pain

The amount and duration of pain one should expect are very unpredictable. If you are having more pain than can be controlled with an over-the-counter medication or your prescription medication, you should call the office immediately.

Swelling

Swelling or bruising often occurs in varying degrees from patient to patient. Use ice packs at 30-minute intervals throughout the first 24 to 48 hours immediately following your procedure. To be most effective, the application of cold compresses should begin as soon as possible. Using the ice before you notice any swelling increases its effectiveness and minimizes the severity. DON’T WAIT…use the ice even if no swelling is noticeable.

Bleeding

After your implants were placed, a gauze compress was placed on the wound and you were asked to keep your jaws closed firmly for 30 minutes. This is to help stop bleeding, and this compress may be changed when saturated and discontinued approximately four hours after surgery. Some oozing will continue and is to be expected. This is normal and is no cause for alarm. If these measures do not succeed, call our office.

Anesthesia

If you received an intravenous anesthesia, you may expect some soreness, swelling or discoloration at or around the injection site. This is of no consequence and gradually disappears. Also, do not drive or return to work for at least 24 hours.

Activity

Limit strenuous activities such as jogging and swimming for approximately two to three days following your procedure.

Emergency Calls

If you have a postoperative problem or question, call our office phone number, (425) 454-5091. If you have an after hours call of an emergency nature, call our office number and the answering service will contact Dr. Pellett, or the oral surgeon taking their calls.