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Dental Implant: Post-Operation Instructions

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After your dental implant surgery at Argyle Associates, you will be given specific instructions by your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon regarding post-operation recovery. Excellent oral hygiene is important but there are specific instructions you must follow to ensure a smooth recovery. Below you will find information for post-operation surgical instructions, specific to dental implant surgery. Should you have any questions at any point during your recovery, our office would be happy to answer them. If you are experiencing any serious side effects, get in touch with our clinic immediately.
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Tips For Recovery

  • Pain medication should be taken before freezing wears off
  • No rinsing or spitting day of surgery
  • Use ice packs for the first 12 hours
  • Drink plenty of fluids and eat a soft diet (no straws until 3 days post-operation)

When To Wear Your Dentures

Dentures are not to be worn until after your first post-operative visit. Depending on how much the tissue has healed, it may take longer until you are ready to start wearing dentures.

Using A Saltwater Rinse

  • Mix 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 tsp of salt
  • No rinsing or spitting on the day of your surgery
  • First 3 days: Rinse every 2 hours while awake
  • Next 2 weeks: Rinse after every time you eat

Post Operation Recovery

Medications

Medications

Pain medication should be taken before the freezing wears off (1-2 hours). Antibiotics must be taken until finished.

Icepacks

Icepacks

Should be used for the first 12 hours after surgery or until bedtime. They are placed on the face, at the surgical site alternating for 20 minutes on/20 minutes off.

Freezing

Freezing

May last 4-12 hours. If feeling persists after two weeks, call the office.

Bleeding

Bleeding

To control initial post-operative bleeding, use tightly rolled gauze packs placed directly on the surgical site. If there is minimum or no staining on the gauze you may discontinue the gauze. Pressure is applied by biting down firmly on the gauze.

Swelling

Swelling

Swelling will peak 3 days after surgery, and will gradually decrease over the following days. It will take a week for the swelling to go away. Bruising is very common and will disappear along with the swelling. Opening and closing your mouth while swollen will reduce muscle stiffness. Contact our office immediately if the swelling suddenly returns after the first week.

Rinsing

Rinsing

 

No rinsing or spitting the day of surgery. After 24 hours, use a warm saltwater rinse every 2 hours while awake for the first three (3) days and then every time you eat for the next 2 weeks. Use ¼ tsp of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Chlorohexidine oral rinse should be used according to directions in addition to the saltwater rinses. Use twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime. Do not drink for ten minutes after using the rinse. You may brush your teeth the next day, over the surgical site in 1 week.

 

Nutrition

Nutrition

Drink plenty of fluids and eat a soft diet until your normal diet can be resumed. Avoid hot foods or drinks while your mouth is frozen. Straws should not be used for 3 days as they may increase bleeding.

Nausea

Nausea

If nausea and vomiting occur after surgery, Gravol can be taken orally or in suppository form. Adult dosage is 50mg every 6 hours. Contact our office if nausea persists.

Stitches

Stitches

Stitches should dissolve in approximately 1 week. If they are still present at your first post-operative visit they will be removed by a nurse.

Dentures

Dentures

Dentures are NOT to be worn until AFTER your first post-operative visit. In all cases, the doctor will determine when dentures can be worn depending on the degree of tissue healing.

Exercise

Exercise

Exercise should be done in moderation during the healing period.

Intravenous

Intravenous

To alleviate any discomfort at the venipuncture site, elevate your arm and apply moist heat with a wet face cloth or water bottle every ½-hour for 6 to 8 hours.

Operation of Vehicles

Operation of Vehicles

For a minimum of 24 hours, do not drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery or consume alcohol.

Smoking

Smoking

Abstain from smoking for at least 5 days after surgery. Smoking inhibits blood supply and healing.

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