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After Placement of Dental Implants

Bleeding

A moderate amount of bleeding or oozing is expected following your surgical procedure. Bite down gently on gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical site, making sure they remain in place. Do not change them for the first hour, unless the bleeding is not controlled. If active bleeding persists, place enough gauze to obtain firm pressure over the surgical site for an additional hour. The gauze then may be changed as necessary. If there is no evidence that bleeding is slowing down after 4-5 hours, place a moist tea bag over the surgical site and bite down firmly for 1 hour. If bleeding persists, please call the office at (303) 791-3232.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after oral surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bagor cold compresson the cheek adjacent to the area of surgery. Apply the ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 48 hours following your surgery. After 48 hours, begin applying moist heat packs to decrease swelling and stiffness.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids (water, Gatorade, apple juice sprite, ginger ale). Avoid hot liquids or food. Following your implant surgery your diet should be limited to liquids and soft foods only. You may return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. If you have a healing abutment (metal post) sticking through the gums, DO NOT use this to chew food. Make every attempt to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. If you feel that the healing abutment is interfering with your other teeth, or is becoming loose, please contact our office immediately.

Pain

Oral surgery will likely be associated with some degree of discomfort. Please begin taking the prescribed pain medication within the first 1-2 hours following your procedure. It is advisable to take your pill(s) with a light meal to reduce the chance of nausea. The effects of pain medication vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may supplement with an analgesic such as Motrin or Ibuprofen. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. If you develop a possible sensitivity/allergic reaction (itching, rash, hives or respiratory changes) stop taking the medication immediately and call our office.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Begin your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the 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 (teaspoon of salt in a 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 surgical areas.

Activity

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. Do not exercise or operate machinery if you are still taking prescribed pain medications.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may occasionally be used and worn following your procedure. Please follow instructions as reviewed by Dr. Miner and Dr. Weideman during your consultation.

Jeremy K. Miner, D.D.S.

E. Marc Weideman, D.M.D., M.D.

8671 South Quebec St, Suite 100
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

303-791-3232