Post-Operative Care After Implants
Below are post-operative care instructions for titanium osseointegrated dental implants. It is essential that the following directions are observed during the early healing period (first two weeks) following the surgery.
Diet
- Please refrain from chewing directly on the implant(s) until further instructed to do so by your Doctor.
- Diet may vary based on your procedure.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided during this period.
How to control the swelling
- Use a pillow to elevate the head slightly for the first two nights.
- Apply ice packs for periods of 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the first 48 hours.
- Warm packs may be substituted for ice packs after 48 hours.
- Should slight bleeding occur in the surgery site(s), softly bite on a rolled gauze pad for 15-30 minutes. If bleeding is not controlled through this measure, please contact your oral surgeon.
- Be sure to rinse the mouth thoroughly after each meal with saline solution (mix ¼ tsp. salt with 8oz of water).
- Commercial rinses or other disinfectants are discouraged for the first 72 hours following surgery.
- Dentures are not to be worn until relining adjustments have been made or as directed by your dentist.
- Drowsiness may occur following the administration of drugs.
- Operation of automobiles or machinery is prohibited for at least 24 hours following the administration of drugs.
- Certain oral medications may require additional precautionary time.
If you have any questions related to what is “normal” healing in the region of the implant(s), please contact your oral surgeon.