Post Operative Instructions for Dental Implant Surgery
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DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 8 PARACETAMOL OR 8 IBUPROFEN IN A 24-HOUR PERIOD.
The following instructions will assist you in this healing phase.
1. Following the procedure avoid strenuous exercise (gym/running) for approximately 48 hours; physical exertion can raise your blood pressure and encourage bleeding.
2. Take care to only have cold drinks and do not eat until the local anesthetic has worn off. Avoid dairy produce for the next 24hours due to the natural bacteria that is present in these products.
3. You may experience some swelling after the procedure - this usually reaches a peak two or three days later. This is quite normal and will subside naturally after a few days. Swelling can be reduced with an ice pack, hold on the area for a maximum of ten minutes at a time with twenty minutes’ break. After twenty-four hours, gentle heat is more beneficial. Sleeping propped up slightly on two to three pillows may also help.
4. You may have some discomfort after the procedure. The amount of this discomfort depends on a number of factors including the number of implants placed and where they were placed.
Your surgery has required the gum to be stretched up and over the graft and this process often results in some degree of swelling and possibly bruising over the area. This shouldn’t alarm you but the important thing is to maintain anti-inflammatory medication over the course of the first week.
5. You should start cleaning your other teeth as normal with a toothbrush, starting on the evening of your surgery. Avoid brushing the surgical site for the first few days, but then begin to carefully clean this area with the toothbrush provided in your implant pack. Do not attempt to floss or tepe the area of surgery for the first two weeks. Rinsing is very helpful in keeping your mouth clean - do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours use the chlorhexidine rinse, continue for 2 weeks, 2 to 3 times a day. Avoid rigorous rinsing as this will slow the healing process and may cause bleeding. Salt mouthwashes (a cup of cooled boiled water with a teaspoon of salt) is a good alternative.
6. Smoking should be avoided for at least 2 weeks following surgery. This has been shown to negatively affect the healing process. Sutures will be removed in 10-14 days and following this your cleaning regime can return to normal. If the metal healing cap is visible through the gum this should be cleaned too.
7. Some minor bleeding after surgery in the mouth is normal. If this persists, apply pressure by biting firmly down over the area on a gauze swab or clean handkerchief for sixty minutes whilst sitting upright. Do not keep checking or changing the gauze. If bleeding persists or you experience severe pain, contact the Implant Clinic.