After Placement of Dental Implants

Thank You for entrusting Madison Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons with your care.

Implant Post-Operative Instructions

Thank you for entrusting Madison Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons with your care. You have now taken the first steps down the exciting path of replacing your missing tooth or teeth with dental implants. It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth as possible. Following these instructions will assist your recovery.

First Hours After Surgery

Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical site(s). If active bleeding persists after one hour, fold new gauze in a tight roll and place so biting applies pressure directly over the surgical site. Also, a moist teabag can be used in the area of bleeding by biting down firmly for one hour. Some bleeding may be present for up to 24 hours. Keep fingers and tongue away from surgical site(s) if possible. There may be a metal healing abutment protruding through your gum tissues.

Pain

The placement of dental implants generally does not cause a great deal of pain. For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen as directed on the bottle. For moderate to severe pain use the prescription given to you and take as directed on the bottle. You may find better pain control if you take your first pain pill before the local anesthetic wears off.

Swelling

Some swelling should be expected and should not be cause for concern. Apply ice bags to the sides of the face for the first 12-24 hours (20 minutes on – 10 minutes off) to help minimize the amount of swelling. Ice should be discontinued the day after surgery. The greatest swelling will peak 36-72 hours after surgery and then should gradually subside.

Diet

Your diet should consist of soft foods and plenty of fluids for the first day. Over the next several days you can progress to solid foods at your own pace. Avoid foods such as nuts, sunflower seeds, and popcorn that may become lodged in the surgical site(s). Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the implant sites. Chewing forces on the implant(s) during the healing period can decrease the body’s ability to heal around the implant(s).

Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to proper healing. Use the mouth rinse directed by your doctor starting the day after surgery. Continue your regular tooth brushing starting the day after surgery but be careful not to disturb the surgical site with your toothbrush. After 7 days and during the remaining healing period brush the metal healing abutment(s) during regular oral hygiene. Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco as these significantly inhibit healing of the implant(s).

Antibiotics

If antibiotics are prescribed please take them as directed.

Nausea

Nausea is most often caused by the stronger narcotic pain medications.

Preceding these medications with foods can reduce nausea. Try taking small sips of carbonated beverages and minimize the narcotic pain medications.

Unusual Conditions

If any of the following conditions should occur during the post-operative period please call the clinic.

• Fever over 101 degrees.
• Severe, hard swelling after the third post-operative day.
• Severe, bright red bleeding that you cannot control by the directions given in this pamphlet.
• Rash, difficulty breathing, or severe vomiting.
• Prolonged severe pain that is not relieved after several doses of pain medications.
• Continued numbness of lip, chin or tongue persisting the day after surgery.
• Any mobility of the implant or healing cap during the healing period.

Contact Office

Feel free to contact the clinic where you had your surgery if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery. If possible call during office hours as this permits faster response. After hours, call the answering service at 274-0770 to contact the doctor on call.