After Placement of Dental Implant(s)

Instruction Sheet Post Procedure

Post Operative instructions for Implant procedures:

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding:

Apply pressure to the surgical site by biting firmly on 3-5 moistened gauze pads folder on itself twice. A large enough space should be created to force 1/8-inch space between the front teeth while closed firmly. Change the gauze every 30 to 45 minutes until pink.  Moistened tea bags can be used in place of gauze.  If bleeding persists, contact our office at 270-554-2026.

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, 30 minutes on/30 minutes off, for the first 48 hours.

Eating:

A liquid and/or soft food diet is followed to avoid inadvertent food particles contaminating the would and disturbing the surgical site.  A soft, healthy diet is recommended throughout the treatment.  Be carful of applying pressure to the surgical site until the area is restored crown, bridge, or denture (4-6 months after surgery depending on the treatment).  Use of tobacco products should be avoided during this time.

If bone graft was placed in implant site on the same day, you must stay away from milk and milk products (i.e. whole glasses of milk, cereal, ice cream) for about 2 weeks until authorized by Dr. Heine.

Rinsing:  

No rinsing on the day of surgery.  Rinse 4-5 times daily with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt in 1 cup of warm water).  Brush and floss other teeth being careful not to disturb the surgical area.  Rinse thoroughly after eating  Other mouth rinses and disinfectants  should not be used. 

should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Pain:

Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.  You will be given a prescription for pain medication (either Oxycodone or Hydrocodone). It is recommended you take the pain medication as soon as the prescription is picked up from the pharmacy and prior to the numbing medication wearing off.  We suggest you eat prior to taking the pain medication.  Additionally, we recommend alternating ibuprofen in between the pain medication dosage (unless NSAIDS are prohibited).  So, you will take the pain medication, then 2 hours later, you will take 2 Ibuprofens.  This regimen is recommended for the first couple of days after surgery. 

Antibiotics:

A 2-week prescription of antibiotics will be given, and the success of healing will be dependent upon completing this course.  Your doctor may extend this course as needed.  Taking your antibiotics with meals is important to prevent nausea.

Safety:

• Someone  should stay with the sedated patient for 3 to 4 hours after surgery.
• Do not use power tools or other dangerous machinery for at least 24 hours after surgery.  Pain pills may affect the ability for 3 to 4 hours after each dose.
• Legally, you may not drive for 24 hours after sedation and should not sign any important documents.

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. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Temporary Appliance:

Appliances are worn for esthetic purposes ONLY or to preserve space.  Any pressure on the healing sites must be avoided.  Chewing with the appliance is limited to soft foods only.  Appliances should be removed while sleeping.

Denture Stablization:

If having implants placed for denture stabilization, it is advised to keep your dentures out for approximately 2 weeks after surgery.  At the follow up appointment, soft liners can be placed in the denture to help protect the surgical sight from any irritations that any movement form the denture may cause to the healing area  Your dentist will be making the appropriate adjustments and liners.  It is often best to leave the denture out as much as possible.

Stitches:

An appointment will be made 2 weeks following the surgery to remove the sutures and discuss care of tissue.  some stitches may fall out prior to your appointment.

Following Appointments:

• The first follow-up appointment is scheduled 2 weeks after surgery to remove any sutures, check healing, and to review post op care.  You will have additional appointments to follow you through the 4-6 months healing process.
• Before the implant is restored, the area is always checked with an x-ray and depending on the component in the implant, this may need to be changed.  Arrangements can then be made to complete treatment and information will be forwarded to the restoring dentist. 
• A follow-up appointment is required to check the final crown, bridge, or denture placed on the implant.
• Regular hygiene appointments must be arranged through your restoring dentist.