After Dental Implant Surgery

What happens after you get dental implants?

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. Sometimes there will be a 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 rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, 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, Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The day after surgery, warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

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

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, should not be worn immediately following surgery.  Allow the area time to heal before using any appliances unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Fay, Dr. Schiffman and Dr. Shank.

Sinus Precautions

Because of the close relationship between upper back teeth and the sinus, a communication between the sinus and mouth sometimes results from surgery.  Certain precautions will assist healing and we ask that you follow these instructions:

  • Take prescriptions as directed.
  • Do not spit forcefully for several days
  • No smoking for at least 6-7 days
  • Do not use a drinking straw for at least 6 days.  If you have an iced coffee or a smoothie, please remember to drink from the cup directly.
  • Your sinus may feel “stuffy” and there may be some nasal drainage.  DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE. Wipe your nose with a tissue if you have nasal drainage.
  • Sneezing will cause undesired sinus pressure.  If you need to sneeze remember to keep your mouth open.
  • Keep to a soft diet, always remembering to chew on the opposite side
  • You may swish gently with a salt water solution.  Do not rinse vigorously.

Slight bleeding from the nose is not uncommon in the days following surgery and may be noticed after bending over.

Please keep our office advised of any changes in your condition, especially if drainage or pain increases.  It is important that you keep all future appointments until this complication has resolved.

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Call us: 212-267-3300