As dental implants increase in popularity, the surgical procedures to place them are quite common. Still, many people are nervous about this procedure, perhaps not really knowing what to expect. Before the implant surgery you will undergo a complete dental exam. Everything is planned out in advance so that we know the exact location along the jaw to place the implants. The procedure itself is painless for most patients, requiring only a local anesthesia.
Following dental implant surgery, patients must take detailed care of the area surrounding their new implant. Avoid rinsing, spitting, and touching the mouth for 24 hours after surgery to avoid contaminating or irritating the surgical site. After dental implant surgery it’s important to follow these care instructions:
Antibiotics – Patients should take all prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection at the surgical site. Twenty-four hours after the surgery, patients should begin using the prescribed oral rinse twice daily alongside a warm saltwater rinse.
Bleeding – Blood in the patients’ saliva is normal during the first 24 hours following surgery. We suggest biting on gauze pads to help control and lessen blood flow.
Pain – Shortly after your dental implant surgery the anesthetic will wear off. You should begin taking pain medication before this happens. Any over-the-counter pain medication can be taken (e.g., Tylenol, Aleve, ibuprofen, etc.).
Diet – We recommend an initial diet of soft foods, but patients can resume a normal diet as soon as they feel capable of doing so. Drink plenty of fluids.
Hygiene – Brush your teeth as you normally would, but avoid any sutures and do not brush the surgical site. The antibiotic and mouth rinses will keep the surgical site clean.
Swelling – After dental implant surgery some amount of swelling is to be expected. To help minimize swelling, try to keep your head elevated and lower your activity level as much as possible. Use ice packs for the first 24 hours to minimize facial swelling.
Smoking – You should refrain from smoking during the healing process.
To learn more about Dental Implants and the recovery process contact Prestige Oral Surgery at 732-297-7000.