After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply provided ice packs on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 48 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

Normally our Doctors will prescribe Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) for post-operative pain.  Ibuprofen is occasionally contraindicated in which case Tylenol is a good substitute.  There are studies that now even demonstrate that a combination of Ibuprofen and Tylenol taken together are more effective as a pain killer than narcotics.  Our doctors and staff will review effective pain management strategies with you in our office.  However, our Doctors will prescribe narcotics only when necessary as we are making an effort to reduce the usage of narcotics.  Please take all prescribed medications as directed.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Help us minimize narcotics abuse by properly disposing of any unused narcotics!

The closest drop box to the office is located at:
Warren Police Department
44 Mountain Blvd, Warren NJ 07059

To see the comprehensive list of drop boxes all over NJ, please visit:
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/meddrop/Pages/Locations.aspx

We do everything within our power to help minimize narcotics abuse. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping us do so! If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact your local police department or drop box location.