After Implant Placement | Dr Joseph Krajekian

DAY OF SURGERY

Do not disturb the wound. There will 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 (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 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 as much as possible, for the first 48 hours.

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 tolerated unless otherwise directed.

You may begin taking pain medication even before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2 tablets may be taken every 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.

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then gently 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. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

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.

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be used sparingly after surgery.
Do not use prosthesis for function (eat with) one use it for cosmetic purpose until instructed to do otherwise

PLEASE NOTE: Telephone calls for narcotic (pain killer) prescription renewal are NOT accepted WITHOUT office visit.