Dental Implant Instructions
Some bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours after surgery. To control excessive bleeding, bite down firmly on gauze for 30 minutes.
Swelling is also expected after the surgery. To help minimize swelling, apply an ice bag on the face near the incision site for 20 minutes and then remove for 20 minutes and repeat.
Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel some discomfort in the gum and jaw. Over the counter medication can be used for mild to moderate discomfort. For severe discomfort, prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid the following activities as they may dislodge the clot:
- Disturbing the wound
- Rinsing vigorously
- Spitting
- Sucking on straws
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Drinking carbonated beverages
Take any prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Drink plenty of fluids. For 24 hours after the surgery, stick to soft, lukewarm foods. After 24 hours, you may return to your normal diet unless you were given different instructions. Use warm salt-water rinses consisting of one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water at least four to five times a day or prescribed oral mouth rinse as instructed.
When brushing your teeth, be gentle around the incision areas. Avoid strenuous activity of the first 24 hours. Increases in blood pressure can cause the treated site to throb or bleed.