POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMPLANT SURGERY

You have just undergone placement of dental implants. Depending on the particular procedure, you may or may not have significant discomfort. This could last for a day or two or up to 10 days following this procedure. The most significant pain usually occurs in the first 48-72 hours and then subsides. Other side effects from the surgery may be swelling and bruising, which may extend down your neck or up to your eyes, depending on whether you have had upper or lower jaw implants.

Numbness, especially in the lower jaw extending to the lower lip and chin, is also quite common but this should subside in the next few days. This usually is from the type of local anesthetic used or swelling around the nerves in your jawbone.

Following your appointment, we would like to suggest the following:

  1. Medications:  If you are taking any special medications, Dr. Rimer will have advised you as to the protocol for taking these, following this type of surgery. Pain Medications: Take pain medication after treatment with fruit juice or a full glass of water. We suggest you do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. Sit up for 20 minutes after taking pain medication. This will decrease chances of an upset stomach. This medication may be repeated 4 to 6 hours as needed for discomfort. (or as specially prescribed for you – Do not exceed the recommended dosage).  DO NOT USE ASPIRIN or products containing aspirin for 1 week following surgery. Aspirin, Advil and Aleve can contribute to bleeding problems and healing. Only the non-aspirin pain reliever, Tylenol is acceptable.
  2. Antibiotics: Take prescribed antibiotics as directed until all have been taken. You will begin this medication the day prior to surgery.
  3. An ice bag may be applied to your face in the region where the surgery was performed to reduce swelling. This can be utilized for the first 24-48 hours post-surgery and may be applied at your discretion.
  4. Please rinse your mouth with warm salt water at least 4 to 5 times daily and especially after meals. Use half a teaspoon of regular table salt in a glass of water and swish gently in your mouth.
  5. Diet: Please take clear liquids only for the first 24 hours, IF sedation was used for your procedure then advance your diet as tolerated to something soft until you feel more comfortable to eat again. If NO sedation was used start with soft foods and advance your diet as directed above. (Soups, fruit juices, apple sauce, etc. will do fine.) NO DAIRY PRODUCTS ARE TO BE CONSUMED for the first 24 hours as these act as a culture medium for bacterial growth. This obviously can cause an infection which we would like to prevent.
  6. Packing: Often times Dr Rimer will have to place a surgical dressing around the surgical site. If packing has been used, please do your best to not dislodge this material, it will be removed after the first 5 to 7 days after surgery.
  7. DO NOT wear your removable dentures or bridges, until advised.

 

For further assistance, please call the office at (561) 368-3170.