After Dental Implant Placement, Killeen TX
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. In some cases, there can be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue and this is normal. Call us at Killeen Office Phone Number 254-526-5667 with any questions or concerns.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling- Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice pack or plastic bag/towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply ice continuously and as possible for the first 36 hours. Please insure to not use heat during the swelling phase.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
Pain
Pain- You should begin taking pain medication before you feel the local anesthetic (numbness) wearing off or immediately after surgery to avoid pain. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth with the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.
Wearing your Prosthesis
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be worn immediately after surgery. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.
Call us at Killeen Office Phone Number 254-526-5667 with any questions or concerns.