After Implant Placement

Important: Please do not drive for 24 hours after surgery and while taking narcotic medication.

Bleeding

• A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following oral surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, redness in the saliva is common. Continuously bite on gauze for 40 minutes. Do not remove gauze to check for bleeding as it may dislodge preliminary clot and lead to more bleeding. Large clots may be wiped away. Repeat if necessary.
• If you hold a good firm pressure, the bleeding should stop within 4 to 6 hours.
• If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag will help form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. Do not rinse for the first 48 hours after surgery.
• Try to keep your tongue away from surgical site.
• To minimize further bleeding, sit upright, do not become excited, and avoid exercise.

If the bleeding continues, please call us for further instructions.

Sinus Lift/Bone Grafting

• Do not disturb the wound.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of the surgery.
• Do not blow your nose for two weeks after the surgery.
• You may use a decongestant such as Afrin or Sudafed (as recommended by your dentist) as needed.

Pain

Provided you have no known allergies:

• For mild discomfort, take over-the-counter Tylenol or Ibuprofen every 3-4 hours (while taking Norco, do not take additional Tylenol).
• For severe pain, use the prescribed medication. Keep in mind that a full stomach minimizes nausea associated with some prescription medications. A smoothie or a milkshake is a good start. The prescribed narcotic pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes.
• Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more everyday.

If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

• If you were given an antibiotic, lease take as directed and finish unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• WOMEN PLEASE NOTE: Antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your physician.

Swelling

Swelling of the face following oral surgery is normal. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. Stiffness (Trimus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is a normal postoperative event which will resolve in time. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs.

• Apply ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 24-48 hours following your surgery.
• Ice should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed.
• After 48 hours, you should discontinue the ice and begin warm packs.
• Elevating your head while sleeping for the first 48 hours will help minimize swelling.
• Swelling will usually reach its peak on the 3rd or 4th day.

Oral Hygiene

• No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery.
• 48 hours after surgery, gently rinse the mouth with a solution of one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of 4 ounecs of warm water at least 5-6 times a day (morning, after each meal and before bed) for 2 weeks.
• You may also resume regular teeth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical site. You may brush all of your teeth with the exception of the implant or bone graft sites starting the day after your surgery.
• After 4 weeks, you can start brushing the imlant, implant abutments, or bone graft sites with a soft toothbrush. Be gentle initially brushing the surgical area.

Diet

• No straws, smoking, spitting, or carbonated beverages for one (1) week. No abrasive foods such as chips, popcorns, seeds, and nuts.
• For the first six (6) hours or until the numbness wears off, eat soft foods such as milkshake, smoothie, yoghurt, ice cream, pudding, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, creamy soup. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical sites. High calorie, high protein intake is very important.
• After the six (6) hours or when the numbness wears off, eat soft foods such as pasta, macaroni and cheese, pancakes, eggs, or cooked vegetables.
• You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. Try not to miss a single meal. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat.

CAUTION:

• If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit for one minute before standing.
• PLEASE NOTE: If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.

If you need to reach out to our dental office, please call our dental office in St. John's at 1-709-754-4895 or email us at reception@epicdental.ca.