Dental Education Lecture: Instructions after Placement of Dental Implants

Implants Restored with a Transitional Crown If your implant was restored with a plastic transitional crown (immediately stabilized or functioning technique).  It is essential that the plastic splint not move. If movement of the splint is noted contact us since it is of paramount importance that the splint be immobilized as soon as is practical. It is analogous to having a cast on a broken arm.

Bleeding       It is normal for saliva to be slightly streaked with blood. In order to stop active bleeding place a moist piece of gauze or a cold wet squeezed tea bag and apply pressure by biting on it for 30 minutes. If necessary, repeat this application of pressure.  Keep your fingers and tongue away from surgical site.

Rinses         Do not actively rinse your mouth until the following day after surgery. On the morning following surgery, rinse mouth thoroughly with a mouth rinse such as Peridex or Listerine. Repeat this twice a day for 5 days.

Swelling       In some cases, puffiness and swelling may result and should not be a cause for alarm. Swelling may be kept to a minimum by holding a cold pack on the outside of your face, adjacent to the surgical area for the first 8 hours after your visit. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes

Black & Blue   It is normal for some patients to become black and blue.

Denture        Avoid wearing dentures for as long as it is practical. It is essential that the dentures do not apply adverse pressure on implants. Insertion of dentures too soon may jeopardize a successful healing process especially if they are used for mastication.

Diet           To prevent any inadvertent food particles from contaminating or injuring your surgical site, you should only have liquid and mashed foods around the surgical site during the first 2 weeks. Some examples are fruit juices, ice cream, soups, Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast, custards, mashed potatoes, peas, corn, and any food mashed in blender. Smoking should be avoided as much as possible especially for the first 2 weeks.

Sleeping       Keep your head elevated with 2 pillows while sleeping on the night of surgery.

Medication Following dental surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort.  If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed. Please note the following:

a.    ALL MEDICATIONS MAY PRODUCE ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND/OR SIDE EFFECTS.

b.    NARCOTICS MAY IMPEDE DRIVING, USING MACHINERY AND MENTAL ALERTNESS.

c.    ANTIBIOTICS MAY NEGATE BIRTH CONTROL MEDICATIONS. USE ALTERNATIVE METHODS.

Concerns       If you have any doubts or concerns, please call us at (770) 814-2212.

Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 02/14/2009, last revision 09/28/2012