After Placement of Dental Implants

Printable Post Op Instructions – Implants and Grafting

Bleeding:

• Place a folded gauze compress directly over the surgical site and bite with moderate Replace the gauze every 30-45 minutes for 1-2 hours. Remove the gauze after 2 hours.
• A small amount of red tinge to the gauze or slow oozing from the surgical site is normal at 2 For the first 12-24 hours it is common to have slow oozing and a red tinge in your saliva.
• Stay in an upright position until the bleeding has slowed
• Bleeding can take longer to stop, especially if you are taking blood
  • If you continue to bleed with pooling of blood, replace the gauze pads or place a moist tea bag over the surgical site and bite with strong pressure for 20-30 minutes uninterrupted.
• Be sure to remove the gauze and do not leave it in place all day If bleeding persists after using tea bags and applying pressure, call the office for further instructions.

Hygiene:

• Maintaining good hygiene is important for healing
• Begin gently rinsing the day of surgery using ½ Oz Periogard/Peridex mixed with ½ oz
• The first 48 hours avoid swishing Rather, hold the liquid in your mouth, tilt your head back and forth and let the liquid fall into the sink.
• Rinse 4 times daily (after every meal and at bedtime) and continue for 10
• Tooth brushing can be resumed immediately but avoid brushing the surgical sites, including the abutments and adjacent teeth.
• Gentle brushing of abutment(s) and surgical site can be resumed after 5-7

Diet:

• Nutrition is important for We encourage you to have adequate caloric intake and use diet preparations such as protein shakes/smoothies (Muscle Milk), instant breakfast (Ensure/Boost) to help with post operative recovery.
• Soft, room-temperature foods are best following Any food that is soft enough to push through a fork is the correct consistency.
• Examples of good post-surgery foods: Jello, yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, eggs, pasta, well cooked vegetables, room temperature/cold soup.
• Avoid hot, sharp, crunchy, or spicy foods (hot drinks, chips) or foods with grains/nuts that can get easily stuck in extraction/implant sites.
• As pain resolves over 3-5 days, you can slowly advance to a more regular Rule of thumb: if a certain food causes pain, avoid for a few days and continue with soft diet.

Fluids:

• You may start drinking fluids right away after surgery (remove gauze prior to doing so). This is important especially after IV Adults should consume between 2-3 quarts of fluids daily.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking prescription
• Avoid using straws and carbonated beverages for at least 48
• Iced tea can help slow bleeding in the first few days after

Swelling/Bruising:

• Swelling following surgery is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours following
• Bruising can appear 48-72 hours after This can be present on areas adjacent to the surgical site but also extend to other parts of the face, chin, neck and chest.
• Do not lay flat for 24 Sleep at 45 degrees in a recliner or elevating the head with several pillows.
• Ice: To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the face or the area of surgery for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Continue this alternating process for 24-48 hours.
• After 48 hours, you may discontinue ice packs and moist heat application can be used to help with muscle

Rest:

• Avoid rigorous activity (exercise, heavy lifting) for at least 2-3 days after
• Following third molar surgery, it is recommended to avoid exercise for 5-7 days as these can be require more post operative recovery time.

Sutures:

• Dissolving sutures: usually fall out within 3-7 days
• Non dissolving sutures: an appointment will be made to remove the sutures in 1-2

Bone Graft:

• It is normal for small pieces of bone to be noticeable in your mouth for the first 1-2 days after The bone graft resembles granules of salt/sand.
• It is also normal for your stitches and a white sponge to come out 5-7 days after surgery (do not be alarmed, this is not the bone graft).

Sinus Precautions:

• If you have been told to take these precautions due to your tooth’s anatomy in relation to the sinus, please follow them strictly for the next two weeks.
• Do not blow your nose (you can wipe gently with a tissue if needed), do not forcibly spit, do not use a straw, do not smoke cigarettes, or use a vape pen, avoid swimming or heavy weightlifting, and always sneeze with your mouth wide Avoid SCUBA diving, flying in a pressurized aircraft, or playing musical instruments that require a blowing action.
• All these measures help reduce the pressure in your nose (which is directly connected to your sinus).
• You may also be prescribed a nasal decongestant to help maintain sinus

Denture/Partial Denture/Flipper (Prosthesis)

• These can usually be worn if the appliance does not interfere with the incision/surgical
• The doctor will check the prosthesis, relieve any pressure points and determine if it can be worn after It may require multiple adjustments with your general dentist to fit appropriately.
• If at any point you feel that the prosthesis does not fit properly or hits the implant abutment, please call our office or your general dentist office.

Pain:

• Amount and duration of pain can vary per patient and surgical
• Please see attached medication list regarding your specific
• If you do not have medical conditions or allergies that prevent you from taking ibuprofen or Tylenol, we generally recommend staggering doses of Ibuprofen and Tylenol around the clock for the first 48 This helps with swelling and keeps your pain levels low during its peak. It is also beneficial to take a dose of ibuprpfen before the local anesthetic numbing wears off.
  • Example of main medication schedule: Ibuprfen 600 mgs every 6-8 hours (take at 8am, 2pm, 8pm, 2am) with Tylenol 500mg every 6-8 hours (take at 11am, 5pm, 11pm, 5am).
• If you were prescribed narcotic pain medication, this can be taken as needed for severe Please be mindful that taking these can cause tolerance, dependence, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, confusion, itching, and dry mouth. Do not drive a motor vehicle or heavy machinery while taking these medications.
• After 48 hours, both medications can be used as If you cannot use / tolerate Ibuprofen, use Tylenol.

Antibiotics:

• Antibiotics may be prescribed due to the number of bacteria present in the mouth that can cause are prescribed before or after surgery to prevent or treat infection.
• Please see attached medication list for specific medication and
• If the antibiotic upsets your stomach or causes a rash, it is OK to discontinue it as long as you continue with the Perioguard rinse (also an antibiotic) and please inform your
• If you miss a dose, don’t worry, just continue with your next scheduled dose.

*** Concerning findings include a fever above 101.3˚ F, foul-tasting drainage, a rapid increase in swelling, and severe pain not relieved by pain medication. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing, please call 911. During business hours, please call our office at 603-883-4008 with any questions or concerns***