Care after Implants

We have placed titanium metal implants in your jaw for tooth replacement.  These implants will eventually bond or adhere to the jaw after healing takes place. Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gum tissue.

When anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.  Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

It is not unusual to have a small amount of oozing and bleeding after the surgical procedure.  Most of this will stop after the first 24 hours; however, if this is a problem, please feel free to contact our office. It is normal to have swelling after this type of implant surgery. The swelling may increase after the second or third day of the surgical procedure.  Following that, the swelling should decrease.  Swelling can be controlled initially by placing ice to the face for the first 24 hours.  Ice can be placed off and on during the first 24 hours on an hourly basis.  After the first 24 hours, heat should be used to decrease the discomfort and swelling.

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. Gently rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day beginning the day after the placement of the implant (a tsp of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit).  Also, rinse gently after meals.  Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Brush the treated area very lightly the first night.  The next day, begin flossing the area lightly, and gradually return to normal brushing and flossing over the next week.

Post-operative discomfort can be controlled by the appropriate use of Advil, Aspirin, or Tylenol on an as needed basis. Antibiotics may be given to decrease the chance for infection after the surgical procedure.  These antibiotics should be taken as prescribed following the surgical procedure without fail.

If you have had implants placed in the upper or lower jaw to retain dentures, your present denture has been modified and will be placed over the tissue in the jaw on which the surgery has been performed.  This denture should be kept in place initially 24 hours a day for the first two days.  The denture can be removed and cleaned and this should be done on a regular basis.

If there are any problems, please feel free to contact our office at any time at 919.957.4500.