After Placement of Dental Implants

Congratulations on having completed your implant surgery today!  We all are aware of the anxiety most patients experience prior to the procedure. You are well on your way to rehabilitating your dentition in the most physiologically efficient manner.  We want you to know that our office is available to answer any questions you may have at any time after the procedure.

These are a few specific instructions to follow for the next few weeks.  The surgical assistants will review some of the more specific instructions applicable to you in our office prior to discharging you.  The following is a summary of the most common issues which are important for you to know.  If you have any questions please call us at 415-956-6610.


What To Expect

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.


If You Had Sinus Surgery

Do not blow your nose until Dr. Bedrossian informs you that you may do so.  A small amount of blood may be found in your nose on the same side as the sinus surgery for the first 48 hours.  Do not be alarmed.  You may call the office if you have any concerns.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours.  Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed.
The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out.

Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may be used immediately after the surgery or you may be asked not to use it for a short period of time. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation. Dr. Bedrossian will specifically discuss and instruct you in the use of your temporary prosthesis.