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Instruction

After Dental Implant


Dental Implant Care

Try not to disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound for the first week, especially on the day of surgery.  There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue, that protects the implant as its osteointegrating.  Despite your best efforts to avoid the implant area, on rare occasions, these protective metal healing covers can loosen.  If so, please contact us as soon as possible so we can re-tighten the healing abutment.



Bleeding

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery, as its the body’s natural healing mechanism. The majority of the swelling will not appear until at least 3-5 days after surgery.  This is why for the first 2 days we recommend applying the provided compression dressing with refreezable ice pack, to the cheek area; in order to prevent the eventual swelling.  Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 48 hours.  The more the better!



Diet

Drink plenty of fluids, as one of the most common causes of post-op nausea is DEHYDRATION. Avoid very hot liquids or food as you may still be numb from the local anesthesia and may burn yourself!  Typically a liquid, soft, non-chewing diet should be eaten for the first week, in order to reduce the chance of traumatizing the surgical site.  You may return to a normal diet after your first post-op appointment with Dr. Massoomi.  If in doubt, give us a call.



Pain

As a general rule, you should begin taking pain medications prior to the local anesthetic wearing off.  For your convenience Dr. Massoomi will provide you will long-lasting local anesthesia, in order to allow you enough time to get your prescriptions filled on the way home.  Only take the prescribed medications as directed. Try not to mix with any other medication including over-the-counter medications.



Antibiotics

In certain cases we may provide you with antibiotics prior to surgery.  Please take as directed to help prevent infection after surgery.



Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. In certain instances, we may have you rinse with a prescription mouthwash called “Peridex”.  Studies show a reduction in the incidence of post-op infections with the use of this mouthwash.  After surgery, Peridex should be used after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene and to remove any residual food debris that may later lead to infections. Be sure to rinse for 20- 30 seconds then gently tilt you head over the sink to allow the mouthwash to spill out.  Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can be used instead, if the Peridex or other over-the-counter mouth washes are not available.  Gently brushing the remaining teeth should not be an issue as long as you avoid the surgical site.



Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum for the first week.  Give your joints the needed rest.  Any increase in your heart and blood pressure can lead to additional bleeding and/or swelling.  Please hold off on any exercise until your first week post-op visit.  If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising.  Also keep in mind that you are probably not taking your normal nourishment.  This 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 and for at least 10 days. This will be further discussed with you after surgery, as each case is unique and require personalized instructions.


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