After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, avoid disturbing the wound. Do not rinse, spit, or touch the surgical area on the day of the procedure. You will notice a metal healing abutment protruding through the gum tissue (gingiva)

Bleeding

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

Swelling

Swelling is a normal response to surgery and is usually proportional to the extent of the procedure. You can expect swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face. This swelling will typically become noticeable the day after surgery and will peak 2-3 days post-operation. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs or frozen unopened peas or corn immediately after surgery. Ice packs should be placed on the sides of your face where the surgery was performed and should be alternated on for 20 minutes then off for 10 minutes continually while awake for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, ice no longer provides any benefit. If swelling or jaw stiffness persists for several days, there is no cause for concern—this is a typical part of the healing process. After 24 hours, applying moist heat to the sides of your face can help reduce swelling. If you choose to take narcotic pain medication do not operate machinery or drive a vehicle for 8 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid hot liquids or foods. Soft foods and liquids should be consumed on the day of surgery. You can return to a normal diet as soon as you are comfortable, unless otherwise directed. DO NOT CHEW ON THE IMPLANTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR 4 MONTHS. Chewing on the implants during this period will cause them to fail and require removal and replacement. This is avoidable, and no one wants this to happen.

As bone cells migrate to the surface of the implant, they attach and calcify. This process must occur without disturbance. If any force ever so slight is applied to the top or side of the implant during this critical healing phase, the bone bonds will break and turn into scar tissue. The more scar tissue that forms, the shorter the lifespan of the implants, or outright failure.

To ensure the implants heal properly and last as long as possible, do not chew, push, touch, tap, or disturb the implants or the gum tissue around them in any way. Even gentle pressure can negatively impact the implants’ longevity or cause them to fail.

If you will be using a temporary prosthetic device during the healing process, do not wear or attempt to try it in until Dr. Gadler has examined it and, if needed, adjusted it to sit passively over the implants. Failure to comply with this could almost certainly result in implant failure. 

Pain

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol can be taken every 4-6 hours. Alternatively, Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be used instead of Tylenol. Over-the-counter Ibuprofen typically comes in 200 mg tablets; 2-3 tablets can be taken up to four times daily, with a maximum daily dose of 3200 mg for adults. Please consult our practice for guidance on usage for individuals under 18.

If the pain is significant, you can alternate between Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Start by taking one Extra Strength Tylenol, then wait 3 hours before taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). After another 3 hours, take another Tylenol, then wait another 3 hours before taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen again. Repeat this cycle until the pain subsides or becomes tolerable without medication.

For severe pain, take the prescribed narcotic medication as directed. Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your doctor not to take them. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or consuming alcohol while on medication. Pain or discomfort following surgery should gradually improve each day. If the pain persists, it may require further attention, and you should contact our office.

Antibiotics

If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics are given to help prevent infection. If you develop a rash or experience any other adverse reactions, discontinue antibiotic use and contact our office immediately. If you have any questions, please call the office.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for proper healing. On the night of surgery, very gently use the salt water rinse before bed, without swishing or applying pressure. The day after surgery, use the salt water rinse twice daily—after breakfast and before bed. Rinse gently for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals.

Brush your teeth as usual, but be cautious around the surgical areas. The small round caps on top of the implants (healing abutments) can be cleaned very gently using a Q-tip to wipe them and the surrounding gum tissue. Use minimal pressure—just enough to remove any debris. Be especially gentle when brushing the surgical areas; excessive pressure may cause the implants to fail.

If bone grafts were placed along with the implants, small amounts of graft material may occasionally come loose, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure. This can feel like gritty sand in your mouth. A small amount is normal, as Dr. Gadler overpacks the graft sites to compensate for any minor loss of material. If you notice a large amount of gritty material, it could mean you are rinsing too vigorously, chewing on the area, or engaging in other actions that could disturb the site. In such cases, call our office immediately.

During the healing period for implants and bone grafts, NEVER use a Waterpik or electric toothbrush on or near the implant or graft sites—doing so could cause the implants or grafts to fail. 

Upper Implants: When teeth are removed, the roots of the upper molars and bicuspids often protrude into the sinus floor. If upper molar or bicuspid implants were placed, and the teeth they replaced had roots within the sinus, it’s possible that the implants may engage the sinus floor and seal it off from the mouth. Even if upper implants were placed into healed sites, they may still engage the sinus floor.

If upper implants were placed, especially in the back of your mouth, avoid blowing your nose, going to high elevations, bending over for extended periods, or applying pressure to cover a sneeze. Instead, sneeze into a jacket, shirt, towel, article of clothing, or the inside of your elbow. Do not rinse vigorously and avoid using any pressure during rinsing. Additionally, for the next 4 months, do not put any air pressure into your mouth as this could potentially create a hole into the sinus and compromise the entire procedure.

Do not use a Waterpik or electric toothbrush near the implant sites as doing so could cause the implants to fail.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Exercise may lead to throbbing or bleeding, in which case you should stop exercising. Also, remember that you are likely not consuming your usual nourishment, which may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should NOT be used immediately after surgery for at least 10 days, as discussed during your pre-operative consultation. If you will be using a temporary prosthetic device during implant healing, do not wear or attempt to insert it until Dr. Gadler has examined it and, if necessary, made adjustments to ensure it sits passively over the implants. Failure to comply with this instruction will almost always result in implant failure.