Dental Implants Post-Operative Instructions

To ensure your comfort and the success of treatment, we strongly suggest that the following instructions be carried out. If you need assistance please call us: Jay S. Fishbein, DMD Bellmore Periodontics Office Phone Number 516-679-1145.

After Dental Implant Surgery

Congratulations on receiving your new dental implant(s)! To ensure your comfort in the success of treatment, we strongly suggest that the following instructions be carried out:

1. Swelling may be kept to a minimum by holding ice on the outside of your face adjacent to the treated area. We suggest that you use crushed ice in a plastic bag. Use it for 20 minutes and then leave it off for 10 minutes.

This should be continued for at least several hours since it helps to prevent discomfort and swelling. The ice should only be used for the first 24 hours. Also, use two or three pillows when lying down. Keeping your head elevated will further reduce the amount of swelling.

2. If you have been wearing a removable bridge, it is important to avoid using it during the first week after implant placement. Because of increased postoperative swelling, a removable bridge will cause pressure to be placed on the implants, which could prevent them from integrating.

When you return for your post-operative exam, bring the removable bridge so that it can be adjusted. You may be referred to your general dentist for other adjustments.

3. Avoid excessive exertion for 24 hours following surgery.

4. Moderate discomfort may be present at first when the anesthesia wears off. You may have been given several prescriptions, one of which may be for discomfort. Unless taken prior to the visit, the first dose should be taken shortly after the procedure is completed, while the anesthesia is still in effect. Thereafter, the medication should be taken as directed if discomfort persists.

There is a possibility that the medication may upset your stomach. In order to help avoid this complication, drink milk or eat yogurt approximately 1/2 hour before taking a dose of your medication. If you did not receive a prescription for discomfort, then two Tylenol or Anacin 3 tablets may be taken every four hours as necessary.

5. In some procedures the implants remain exposed after the initial placement. What you will see or feel is called the implant healing abutment. It is important to keep this abutment clean throughout the healing period. Use a Q-TIPâ dipped in Listerineâ and gently swab the implant healing abutment twice a day.

DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN FOR DISCOMFORT, AS THIS COULD CAUSE BLEEDING.

6. Do not become alarmed if swelling becomes worse over the next several days. The greatest swelling frequently occurs between the third and fifth day post-operatively. Starting on the third or fourth day post-operatively, you may apply moist heat to the area of swelling, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for several hours each day. Swelling is usually not indicative of infection.

7. Please continue taking the antibiotic as prescribed until finished.

8. Occasionally, one may find bloodstains in the saliva. If there is considerable bleeding, try to find the spot that it is coming from, and place a piece of gauze over it. Hold the gauze with firm pressure for 20 minutes without removing it for examination.

If this does not stop the bleeding, place a moist tea bag over the bleeding area with firm pressure for 20 minutes. Do not try to stop the bleeding by rinsing. If bleeding continues to persist, please call the office: Jay S. Fishbein, DMD Bellmore Periodontics Office Phone Number 516-679-1145.

9. It is most important that you maintain a nutritious diet during the week of healing. You can chew on the opposite side of your mouth, but you should avoid hard foods. The patient who maintains a good diet of soft foods generally feels better, has less discomfort, and heals faster.

A multivitamin will provide you with the daily essential vitamins and minerals. Foods containing onions, tomatoes, or pepper may be irritating and should be avoided. Fruit juices may cause a burning sensation unless taken through a straw.

10. The sutures are usually removed during the first or second postoperative visits. You will be given appointments to return periodically for evaluation of the implant area(s). It is important to keep these appointments.

These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.