Rule of Thumb:
1. AVOID strenuous physical activity following the procedure.
2. Start the prescribed medications immediately
3. AVOID all alcoholic and carbonated beverages.
4. The pain medications prescribed for you may cause drowsiness and impair your ability, so avoid all activities requiring your full, alert attention while on pain medication.
5. Drink plenty of fluids during the healing process.
6. Apply cold compresses to the surgical side of your face INTERMITTENTLY in 15 minute interval, during the first 48 hours. Then apply moist or wet warm compresses intermittently to reduce swelling as needed.
7. If necessary, you can lubricate the corners of your mouth with lip balm.
8. A soft diet is recommended but avoid spicy and crunchy foods.
9. Extreme care should be exercised so avoid placing any biting pressure on the implant or implant site(s), no matter how light the biting force. If a removable prosthetic appliance was placed, it should not contact the implant or tissue in the area of the implant placement AT ALL. If a temporary was placed on the implant immediately, all biting contact with or without food should be avoided. If you feel any contact on the temporary when your teeth come completely together, please contact the office immediately and schedule an appointment right away.
Premature pressure on an implant prior to three months of healing may result in implant failure and/or healing complications.
1. Oral Hygiene: Light, gentle brushing of the teeth in the surgical area. Frequently rinse the mouth with warm salt water/peroxide (1 pinch salt, 1 teaspoon peroxide).
2. Discomfort: Some discomfort is anticipated. If pain is not adequately controlled by the prescribed medication(s), or persists for a prolonged period of time please call the office. Some over the counter medications, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or Aleve can help alleviate pain.
3. Swelling: A slight amount of swelling and discomfort is common following most oral surgery and usually disappears within 2 or 3 days. Cold compresses gently applied to the area of surgery for 5 to 10 minutes every 30 minutes (DURING THE FIRST 24‐48 HOURS) will help to control the post‐operative swelling and discomfort. IF SWELLING PERSISTS, apply moist heat (warm washcloth or hot water bottle). If swelling continues after 2 days, or interferes with swallowing, please call the office.
4. Bleeding: If the bleeding is excessive, like a nose bleed, for more than 5 minutes, 2 hours after your procedure, continue to bite on gauze. AVOID exertion, lie down with your head elevated at least 30 degrees (two pillows) and call the office.
5. Diet: Take in fluids immediately and avoid chewing on the operated area of your mouth. Soft foods can be eaten until you feel ready to return to your regular diet. The following require little pressure to chew and provide the necessary nutrients: protein shakes, bananas, cooked fish, cereals, pasta, mashed potatoes and whole grain soft breads. You should continue your usual vitamin supplements. Returning to your normal diet and proper calorie intake will promote faster healing.
6. Medications: If you are taking other medication prescribed by your physician, be sure to inform your doctor and continue taking them as usual unless otherwise directed. Antibiotics or other medication(s) may be prescribed for you, please take these as directed on the label(s). Antibiotics especially need to be taken as prescribed and one should complete the full regimen as given. Female patients should also be aware that some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of certain oral contraceptives.
