Implant/Bone Graft Post-Op Instructions

BLEEDING:  Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure. You will be biting on gauze after your procedure. We would like you to change the gauze every 30 minutes until the bleeding either turns a pink or brown color or completely stops. When this happens, you can leave the gauze out and you do not need it anymore.

SMOKING:  Smoking should be stopped following surgery. The healing and success of the implant will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke chemicals in your body.

PAIN:  Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain, take Ibuprofen, Advil, or a similar non-aspirin pain reliever to maintain comfort. It is best to take pain relievers before the anesthesia wears off. If prescription pain medication is prescribed, take it as instructed on the label. Do not exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach.

SWELLING:   Apply ice to the face over the operated area on the outside of the face. This will minimize swelling. Apply for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Continue for 48 hours to reduce swelling.

NUMBNESS:  The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the implant procedure causes residual numbness or tingling if you notice this the day after surgery please call the office.

BRUSHING:  Do not brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid electronic toothbrushes in the area where the procedure was done.

RINSING:  Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after your procedure. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 8 ounces warm water). Avoid commercial mouth rinses.

DIET:  Eat soft foods for the first two days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours or while taking prescription medications.

ACTIVITY:   Avoid heavy activity up to one-week post-op.

ANTIBIOTICS:  If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take them as directed until they are gone. Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.

SINUS:  If your sinus was involved in the procedure additional instructions may be provided. The use of decongestant medications might be recommended.