After Placement of Dental Implants

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 gingival(gum) tissue.

Bleeding

It is normal to experience bleeding after your surgery. If you change the gauze frequently or are spitting constantly the bleeding will last longer. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. If you do experience bleeding fold 1 or 2 pieces of dampen gauze and place directly on the area that is bleeding and bite on it for 30 to 40 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or aplastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. 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

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-4 tablets may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

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 (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals.Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

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

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures may be used immediately after surgery if Dr. Flynn has determined that it will not interfere with the implants.

Should you have any questions or problems after your surgery please call the office at Lansing Address Phone Number (517) 321-3236 during normal business hours if you have an emergency after hours please call 342-1020