After Implant surgery
Placement of dental implants usually does not create a great deal of pain. However, carefully reading and adhering to these instructions will ensure smooth and easy healing - please read them before surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss those with Dr. Galvis or his Assistant.
- Do not disturb the wound.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, drinking from a straw or touching the wound on the day of the surgery.
- 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 can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes.
When you lie down keep your head elevated on one or several pillows. You may wish to place a towel on your pillowcase to avoid staining it with blood.
If the bleeding continues please call for further instructions.
Bruising
Bruising is also very common after surgery. You may notice it over the surgery site and to on the lower chin area. The development of black, blue green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues.
This is a normal postoperative occurrence which may happen 2-3 days after surgery and last up to 14 days. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.
Swelling
This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. Swelling usually will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post surgery.
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face over the surgery site for twenty (20) minutes on, twenty (20) minutes off during the first 24 hours.
Sleeping with your head elevated above the level of the heart for the first 2 postoperative nights tends to lessen swelling.
Diet
Be cautious until the anesthesia wears off as you have no feeling in the surrounding area and you may unknowingly injure yourself.
- Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, orange juice, and citrus fruits until the surgery site has healed (2 weeks).
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid hot liquids and spicy foods.
- Soft foods and liquids should be ingested on the day of surgery.
- Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
Nausea
Nausea may result from the anesthesia medication or the drugs prescribed for pain. To minimize this possibility avoid taking any medication on an empty stomach. Take all medications with a small amount of food.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.
Antibiotics
It is very important that you take all your prescribed medication from our office as directed. Each medication has a specific role in the postoperative period.
Discontinue the antibiotic medication if a rash develops or if an upset stomach persists. Report this immediately to our office.
Women please note: if you are currently taking birth control pills, be aware that taking antibiotics will decrease their effectiveness therefore alternative contraceptive methods should be utilized.
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.
- On the night of the surgery, use the prescribed Peridex® Oral Rinse before bed.
- The day after surgery, Peridex® should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed.
- Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out .
- Warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm 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 surgery areas
Activity
Limit physical activity during the first 3 days after surgery. Over exertion may lead to postoperative bleeding and discomfort.
Wearing your prosthesis
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery until your postoperative appointment, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
Smoking / Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol delay healing and predispose you to infection which can result in the failure of the implant or bone graft.
Do not smoke or use alcohol until the incision line is completely healed (about 2 weeks).
Sutures
If sutures have been placed following implant surgery, they will be removed 1-2 weeks after surgery, at the time of your postoperative check up. Some sutures may become loose and fall out prematurely. This does not pose a problem and may be ignored.
If you have extreme pain and/or swelling which can not be controlled by your prescribed medication, please call our office immediately at 514-697-7391
