After Block Bone Graft
Surgical Instructions
Dental Implant Presentation
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Discomfort
- Follow instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Some discomfort is normal and to be expected. The level and duration varies between patients.
- Take the prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.
Rest:
- Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
- Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
- Limit physical activity.
- To encourage rapid healing please rest!
Ice:
- As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
- Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.
Medication:
- Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off.
- If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
- Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
- Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.
Mouthcare:
- Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery. This may dislodge the clot that has formed and cause bleeding.
- Begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL area the day following surgery. Do not rinse vigorously for 2 days! Weak salt-water rinses may be used, GENTLY, to loosen food debris. You may begin to brush the surgical area 1 week after surgery.
- When brushing the graft site, run your toothbrush under hot water first to soften the bristles.
- Begin rinsing very gently with the prescription Peridex mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery, if prescribed.
Eating:
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
- Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
- Avoid the use of alcohol for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication.
Fluids:
- Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
- Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.
Bleeding:
- Slight bleeding from the surgery area is normal, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call!
Swelling and Bruising:
- Some swelling often occurs and this is normal.
- Bruising may occur in the surgical area as well as into your chin and neck area.
- If fever accompanies swelling, contact us immediately!
Smoking:
We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.