After Placement of Dental Implants

Dental Implant Surgery Post-Op Care

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• Implant Post-Op Instructions

Prescriptions / Pain Management:

You are typically prescribed an antibiotic and Peridex (anti- bacterial rinse). Please take the antibiotic as directed until all of the pills are finished. You may have been prescribed a stronger pain medication. But, as soon as the numbness begins to fade (which could take several hours) we suggest starting with Tylenol (to help with discomfort) and Ibuprofen (to help with swelling) for the pain. If pain doesn’t subside and you feel as if you need to use the prescribed pain medicine, make sure to stop taking Tylenol. You can continue to take Ibuprofen with the prescribed pain medicine. Once you take the prescribed pain medicine do not drive an automobile or work around machinery.

Ibuprofen may be used 2-4 tabs at a time every 4-6 hours (up to 800mg within an 8 hour period). Maximum daily Ibuprofen doses vary based on weight, but adults are never to exceed 16 tablets per day. All tablets are to be swallowed (not dissolved in the mouth). If swallowing is not possible, please call us so that we may prescribe elixir formulations.

Rinsing:

Do not rinse the day of the surgery. Begin with Peridex the day after surgery and continue rinsing until your next follow up appointment 4 to 5 times per day. You can also rinse gently with lukewarm saltwater solution (a ½ teaspoon of salt per half glass of lukewarm water)

Brushing:

Brushing your teeth is encouraged the day after surgery. Use special care when approaching the site of surgery. After day 3 normal brushing can take place.

Diet:

The day of surgery consume cold liquids until the numbness has worn off. This will ensure that the cheek, lip, and tongue are not inadvertently bitten. We recommend soft/colder foods, such as ice cream, milkshakes, pudding, yogurt, etc. Avoid extremely hot foods and drinks and foods with sharp edges (chips, pretzels, etc.). Do not chew immediately over the surgery area. Gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated.

Nausea:

Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon the day of surgery. If this becomes excessive or prolonged, please call our office at 540- Winchester Oral Surgery Center Phone Number 540-504-7300 so that an appropriate anti-nausea medication may be prescribed. These are available in a variety of types and forms, including topical gels and dissolvable tablets. Nausea could be due to not having food in your stomach with the medicine.

Ice:

Is generally recommended for the day of and the day after surgery to help with swelling. Swelling and pain will be at its worst days 3-5 after surgery. Use ice 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Do not use ice after the 2nd day.

Heat:

Moist heat or a heating pad may be used starting the 3rd day after the surgery, 4-6 times per day.

Rest:

Although strict bed rest is not mandated after surgery, excessive physical activity can lead to exacerbated bleeding, bruising, swelling and pain. The first 3-5 days are critical of limiting physical activity. We recommend resting on the couch with support pillows or a reclining chair on the day of surgery. It is best to keep your head elevated.

Smoking and Alcohol:

A 5-day avoidance of smoking and alcohol is recommended. The chemicals in these items impair wound healing and frequently lead to infection, prolonged pain and possible failure of your Implant. Smoking includes vaping.

Sutures / Bleeding:

In most cases, there will be minimal bleeding since the wound is often closed with sutures. If used, the sutures are the dissolving type that will fall out on their own 5–10 days or sooner after surgery. Some bleeding and oozing may be expected during the first 24 hours. Avoid continually pulling at your lip to check the operative site.

Questions:

If there are any concerns about your recovery please do not hesitate to call our office at Winchester Oral Surgery Center Phone Number 540-504-7300. After 4:30 PM you can have a doctor paged by calling 540-536-8000.

When to call our office:

• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Bad taste or pus in mouth
• Fever or chills
• If swelling subsides and then comes back
• Rash or adverse side effects from medication

Implant Care For Patients (After Crown is Placed)

The success of your implants depends upon your personal oral hygiene practices and regular visits to your hygienist and dentist. Professional cleaning should be done every three to four months.

It is extremely important for you to follow a daily program of oral hygiene at home. While cleaning should be done as often as possible, the most important times are after breakfast in the morning and after your last meal in the evening.

The following recommendations for cleaning around your implant abutments should be followed twice daily.

1. Use a soft nylon bristle toothbrush, such as Oral-B, Butler, Reach or Colgate Plus. Before using the brush, rinse the bristles in hot water to soften them.
2. Brush with an anti-plaque toothpaste, or with baking soda.
3. Floss around each implant abutment at least twice a day with regular dental floss, Super Floss from Oral-B, nylon yarn or with a long strip of cotton gauze.
4. Rinse at least 15 seconds with an anti-plaque mouthwash.
5. If you have an irrigation system, add 1.5 cups of water to 2 caps of an anti-plaque mouthwash and irrigate around each implant abutment at a slow speed. This type of irrigation system is highly recommended to remove the plaque under your gums which harbors toxic bacteria. Rinsing out the toxins will lessen the chances for inflammation around the implant abutment.
6. If you have an electric toothbrush (Braun, for example) use it to clean the implant abutments, then apply Peridex.
7. Monitor yourself at home in order to detect early signs of inflammation, and contact your doctor if any problems arise.

These suggestions are intended to help you maintain healthy tissue and successful implants. It is your responsibility to practice good oral hygiene every day for the optimum health of your implants.