Dental Implant Surgery

At Home

As soon as you get home, either lie down with a pillow supporting your head or recline in a comfortable chair or sofa. Rest until the effects of anesthesia have worn off. Do not stand up quickly or try to be active. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down with your feet elevated until the feeling passes.  A responsible adult should stay with the you until the effects of anesthesia have completely worn off. 

Swelling

Keep your head elevated during the first day, either with pillow or by sitting upright. Ice packs may also be used in the first 24-36 hours to alleviate swelling and make the area feel better. 

Bleeding

It is normal to have a slight amount of bleeding for as long as 24 hours after surgery.  It is best to avoid any pressure over the implant sites, so gauze is not recommended. If bleeding continues or is excessive, you may bite gently on a tea bag moistened in warm water and placed over the area. Should you use the tea bag, resist the temptation to check on bleeding every few seconds/minutes. Biting should be gentle and steady for at least 30 minutes without interruption. This may be repeated. If bleeding persists after two or three applications or seems to be a problem, you should contact our office immediately. 

Pain & Medications

As the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some tenderness or soreness in your gums and jaw.  For your comfort, take the pain medication that has been prescribed for you. It is important that pain medication be taken with plenty of water and/or food to prevent an upset stomach. If you develop hives, a rash or feel you are having a reaction to any medication, please discontinue the medication and call our office.

DO NOT drive if you are taking a narcotic or narcotic-like medication (oxycodone, hydroxycodone, codeine, tramadol are some examples).

Taking medications more than prescribed may lead to unexpected medical complications and emergencies: Please follow all directions for medication usage.  You should also remember that pain medications are intended to help make you feel better but are not intended to make you pain free. 

Take antibiotics as prescribed and be sure to finish the entire prescription.

Diet and Eating

Soft foods such as soups, smoothies (eaten with a spoon), ice cream, cottage cheese and yogurt will be the easiest to eat after surgery. Avoid hard or crunchy foods such as carrots, popcorn or nuts directly over the implant site(s) for 6 weeks.

Oral Hygiene

Keep your mouth clean by brushing as well as you can. Brush your teeth gently around the surgery area. Do not be alarmed by slight bleeding after gentle brushing. 

Prescription PerioGard rinses are to be started immediately following your implant surgery. Rinse gently twice daily (after breakfast and bedtime) for one week following surgery.

Warm water rinses may be used several times a day until healing is complete. This can be done in between uses of PerioGard.

Smoking is strongly discouraged as this may inhibit post-operative healing.

Nausea

Post-operative nausea is often a result of prescription pain medications. If this happens, try to discontinue this medication and take small portions of clear liquids or juices every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours. This usually will end the nausea. Bland foods such as crackers, dry toast, tea, Jello and boullion may also be helpful. If nausea persists, please contact our office. 

What to Expect

Bruising may occur on the outside of the face 2-3 days after surgery. This will gradually resolve after 7-10 days. We will monitor your progress with repeated visits in our office over the course of implant healing.