After Dental Implants

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 following surgery.
• Always get up slowing from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
• Limit your 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. (Alternate sides if two areas were done)
• 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.

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!

Mouth Care:

• Do not brush, floss, rinse or spit the day of the surgery.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking through a straw for 24 hours after surgery, blood is clotting and this will disturb the healing process.
• Do not rinse with salt-water or mouthwash the day of your surgery.
• Begin rinsing very gently with the prescription Peridex mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery, if prescribed
• Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for 2 days. Weak salt-water rinses may be used, gently, to loosen food debris.
• Begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery remembering to rinse very gently. You may begin to brush the surgical area 1 week after surgery.
• When brushing the surgical area, run your toothbrush under hot water to soften the bristles.
• Be prepared to leave your dentures or partials out for approximately one week.

Eating:

• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Eat softer foods, such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, baked potatoes, or hot cereals.
• 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, causing bleeding.

Swelling and Bruising:

• Some swelling often occurs and this is normal in the healing process.
• Bruising may occur in surgical area.
• If swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever or pain, please call 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.

If you have any questions or concerns please call us!

• Beverly Hills Office 310-275-1090
• Emergency 310-200-2074