after Implant Placement

INSTRUCTIONS SPECIFIC TO IMPLANT PLACEMENT PROCEDURES

  • Do not chew in the area of the implant until the final restoration has been placed.

  • Do not probe the surgical area with the tongue or fingers.

  • If a sinus modification procedure was performed at the time of implant placement, also follow the instructions provided specific to sinus modification procedures.

  • If a partial denture (sometimes called a “flipper”) is being used, it can continue to be used following implant placement so long as absolutely no chewing nor pressure is applied to the implant area.

  • If IV sedation was used during surgery, follow the post-op instructions provided for that procedure as well.

additional instructions

In addition to the above instructions specific to implant placement procedures, the following guidelines should be followed to create the most ideal post-operative outcome.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SURGERY

  • Check for continued bleeding and refresh gauze if instructed to do so at discharge.

  • Apply ice packs if recommended, with periodic breaks to prevent frostbite.

  • Eat as soon as able. Then take medications as directed.

  • Rinse mouth with salt water (or use the mouthwash if provided) once the numbness is gone. Do not vigorously swish. Instead, place rinsing agent in mouth and allow it to sit for one minute, then let it fall into the sink.

  • NO SMOKING AND/OR VAPING for 1 WEEK following surgery.

  • Refrain from any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours following surgery.

BLEEDING

Some bleeding is normal, and blood-tinged saliva should be expected for 24–36 hours after surgery.

If active bleeding persists, the gauze pad may be incorrectly positioned between the teeth instead of over the surgical area. Try repositioning a fresh, folded gauze pad over the surgical area and bite down firmly for about 20–30 minutes. Repeat this process as necessary until active bleeding ceases.

If active bleeding persists despite these measures, please contact our office.

SWELLING

Facial swelling following surgery is normal and peaks approximately 48 hours after surgery.

To minimize swelling, apply ice packs to the face adjacent to the surgical area for the first 24 hours following surgery. Ice packs should be applied in intervals to prevent frostbite: 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off the face.

Keep the head elevated while reclined, avoid bending over, and avoid strenuous exercise for the first 72 hours.

If swelling continues for more than one week or if swelling suddenly reappears, please contact our office.

BRUISING

Discoloration/bruising of the skin may occur following surgery. This is normal and will gradually disappear.

SORENESS

Tightness of the jaw muscles following surgery is common and may cause difficulty opening the mouth to eat or perform proper oral hygiene. This issue may persist for up to 2 weeks.

Passive stretching of the jaws is encouraged 24 hours or later after surgery. Moist heat applied to the face adjacent to the surgery area will ease soreness.

NUMBNESS

Numbness from the local anesthetic may last for up to 24 hours following the procedure.

Occasionally, some numbness may persist for weeks or even months, due to the close association of the roots of the teeth to the nerve that supplies sensation to the surgical area.

Call our office if the numbness lasts longer than 24 hours after surgery.

ORAL HYGIENE

Maintaining oral hygiene after surgery is essential to prevent infection.

Resume a normal brushing routine as soon as possible after surgery using a soft toothbrush, but be very gentle near the surgical area.

Beginning the day after surgery, gently rinse mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash if provided 2–3 times per day for at least 5 days.

MEDICATIONS

Unfortunately, most surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. Dr. Burns may recommend over-the-counter pain relief medications, or may prescribe antibiotic, anti-nausea, and/or pain relief medications, as well as a mouth rinse depending on the type of surgery performed.

Before the first dose of medication(s) after surgery, eat a small amount of easily consumed food to minimize nausea.

  • For pain relief, follow the pain medication sheet provided. Our goal is to avoid or minimize exposure to narcotics (oxycodone/hydrocodone), but it should be taken if needed.

  • Alcoholic beverages and recreational drugs should never be consumed while taking narcotic pain relievers.

  • If antibiotics are prescribed, take as directed until completed.

  • For female patients, if oral contraceptives are currently being taken, antibiotics may interfere with the contraceptives’ effectiveness. An alternative form of birth control measures should be used for the remainder of this cycle.

  • If any unusual reactions to medications arise, stop the medication immediately and call our office. If rash, itching, or difficulty breathing occur, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction may be occurring. Please call 911 without delay.

DIET

After surgery, eat nourishing food that can be tolerated with comfort. Stay well hydrated.

Drink nourishing liquids such as broth or protein shakes following surgery, then advance to pureed and soft foods such as soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, ice cream, Jell-O, mashed potatoes, and pudding in the first few days following surgery.

Return to a normal, nutritious diet when able to tolerate chewing solid food, as proper nutrition aids the healing process.

  • Do not use straws and do not swish or spit vigorously for 2 days after the surgery. These actions may dislodge the blood clot.

  • Avoid foods such as nuts, seeds, and popcorn that have small, hard pieces which could become lodged in the surgical area.

SMOKING AND VAPING

Smoking and vaping after oral surgery are never permitted.

Avoid smoking and vaping for at least 1 WEEK after surgery.

Smoking and vaping inhibit the healing process and significantly increase the chance of developing a dry socket or severe infection.

SUTURES

Most sutures that may have been placed during surgery will dissolve on their own within 5–10 days after surgery. If they dissolve earlier, it is not a cause for concern and should be discarded.

Occasionally, non-dissolving sutures must be used. If you were told that your sutures will NOT dissolve (white sutures), then these sutures will be removed at your post-operative appointment.

EXERCISE

Avoid exercise for the first 48 hours after surgery.

After the first 48 hours, caution should be used when returning to light exercise, and strenuous exercise should be avoided at least until 72 hours following surgery.

Avoid any contact sports that risk injury to the head and neck region (such as martial arts, wrestling, soccer, and football) until the area is fully healed.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible.

If you have any questions about your progress or any symptoms you are experiencing, please call our office at (574) 875-0547.

After office hours, you may contact Dr. Burns on his private line provided to you on your day of surgery. Please leave a message with the patient’s name and date of surgery, and Dr. Burns will return your call as soon as possible.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE:

  • Fever over 101.5°F

  • Severe pain that is not controlled by medication

  • Excessive bleeding or swelling

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • Uncontrolled nausea

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