After your surgery there will be a certain amount of swelling, pain and bleeding. This response is normal.
The following instructions are provided to make your postoperative recovery period as short and pleasant as possible.
- Bite down and maintain firm pressure on the gauze pack that was placed at the end of your surgery. Do this for at least 45 minutes. After that time remove the pack and replace it with another gauze sponge as provided. Repeat this as necessary. There should not be excessive bleeding. Oozing will occur for a few days.
- Take all medication as prescribed and explained by your surgeon for the time instructed. Advise your doctor of all allergies. If you experience any strange response like itchiness, nausea, dizziness, please call the clinic office immediately.
- Do not rinse or spit for a minimum of 72 hours and longer if possible. This activity will interfere with the blood clotting, open the wound and can prolong bleeding and slow healing. Saliva can be swallowed.
- Do not brush the teeth near the surgical site for 48 hours. When brushing, be gentle. When rinsing, BE GENTLE. If you used a prescribed mouthwash prior to surgery, it should be continued starting 24 hours after your surgery. Place the mouthwash in the area of the surgery and let it sit 30-60 seconds
- Apply ice immediately at the surgical site. If your surgery was in the anterior upper jaw you can expect swelling and discomfort up into the nose and even under the eyes. Bruising and discoloration is not unusual. Crushed ice or equivalent should be placed in a plastic bag then in a washcloth and placed on the face. Apply for 30 minutes, then off for 20-30 minutes. This should be done on a near continuous basis (or as much as possible) for the first 48 hours and longer if possible or if this helps reduce your pain.
- Avoid excess physical activity and exercise. In addition, do not smoke. Smoking increases implant failure. Do not drink with a straw or drink carbonated liquids (minimum 3 days). Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking your pain medication.
You may notice that you cannot see any implants in your mouth as the gums cover the area. This is good. In many instances a healing cap was placed over the implant. This will look silver and will be emerging through the gums. Do not stretch your lip daily to inspect the area. This can cause wound breakdown.
Additional Post-Operative Care Instructions
If you have been given a temporary removable prosthesis this will function during the interim time while your implants integrate and heal. Swelling is expected. Do not remove the prosthesis frequently, except to clean. When inserted, the prosthesis should not touch the gums at the surgical site. An improperly placed prosthesis can cause ulceration of the wound edges and breakdown of the suture margins.
You may need to see your local dentist for adjustment to the prostheses and the ‘bite’. Gums shrink in time as they heal, so the temporary removable prostheses may no longer have a snug fit. If this occurs, you may need to visit the dentist to place a temporary lining.
We are happy to communicate on your behalf with your dentist to ensure a proper continuum of care.