Instructions for After Implant Placement
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There might be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (clots of blood or your mouth fills with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions. Bleeding is very uncommon after implant surgery.
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, due to decreased feeling in the area you may inadvertently hurt the gum. 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 possible after your surgery, at least an hour before the anaesthesia starts to wear off. For moderate pain, 2 Paracetamol or Maxigesic may be taken every 6 hours.An anti-inflammatory like Voltaren or Ibuprofen and can be take once or twice daily. Maxigesic is a combination of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen and is very effective in treating symptoms.Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Antibiotics
If prescribed antibiotics ,be sure to take as directed to help prevent infection.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the provided Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the mouth rinse should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for 1 minute then spit it out. Hot salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of tea temperature 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 or full dentures can be used immediately after surgery as long as the dentist has adjusted these.
