The following will cover important information regarding proper post-surgical care for dental implants. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully to maximize your healing and improve the long-term outcome of your dental implant(s).
Do NOT disturb the wound. Avoid touching the wound or spitting for a few days after surgery. There may be a metal cap called a healing abutment or cuff slightly protruding through the gum tissue.
Diet
Do NOT chew crunchy or chewy foods over the implant(s) until the implant is restored with a crown, often in 4-6 months. Chewing on the implant will cause micromovements and prevent the implant from healing to your jaw bone. Hard foods could also fracture the adjacent teeth. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or foods. Soft foods and liquids can be consumed on the day of surgery.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness is normal for 24 hours. You can control excessive bleeding (where your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. Change the gauze every 30 minutes. The bleeding should begin to decrease after 1-2 hours. If bleeding continues, call our office for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack (or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice) on the cheek in the area of surgery. For the first 36 hours, apply the ice 20 minutes on and off as much as possible. Sleep with your head elevated above your heart for the first two nights.
Oral Hygiene
Manually brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Do not use a Sonicare® or electric flosser around your implant(s) as the ultrasonic movement may cause implant integration issues. Be gentle with brushing the surgical areas.
Warm saltwater rinses will help the gums heal and should be used at least 4 times a day, especially after meals. Saltwater can be made by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
You have been given a prescription for Peridex oral rinse: Rinse for 30 seconds with 15 mL of Peridex 2 times a day. Use Peridex only during the first 2 weeks of healing. NOTE: Peridex may cause alteration of taste perception during use and may increase staining of teeth with prolonged use over 2 weeks. To avoid this, use Peridex only during the first 2 weeks of the healing process. If taste change or staining begins, stop the rinse and use salt water instead. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing with Peridex.
Exercise
Keep physical activities to a minimum for several days following surgery. Avoid bending over, heavy lifting, or straining. If you are not taking normal nourishment, it could weaken your immune system and further limit your ability to exercise.