Post Operative Instructions For Implant Surgery

• If the patient was sedated for surgery, a responsible adult must drive them home and stay with them for the remainder of the day.
  
  
• Tobacco products should be avoided for several days after surgery. Tabacco significantly slows healing of tissues.
  
  
• No vigorous rinsing, spitting, or use of straws for 24 hours since this may increase bleeding tendencies.
  
  
• A small amount of bleeding is normal for up to 2 days after surgery. If bleeding becomes excessive or persistent, call our office 800-225-6882 or 205-556-2323.
  
  
• Soft foods such as soup, jello, pudding, ice-cream, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs for first 4 - 5 days.
  
  
• Do not chew over implant site until released by the doctor to do so.
  
  
• Take all medications as prescribed. Do not take on an empty stomach. Do not mix medications with alcoholic beverages.
  
  
• Apply an ice pack for the first 24 hours. Half hour on/half hour off. After 24 hours of ice, you may use moist heat to help with soreness and stiffness of jaw.
  
  
• The day after surgery, begin rinsing with Peridex (prescribed mouthwash) or salt water (warm water with ¼ - ½ teaspoon added salt) 3 - 4 times per day, especially after meals. You may also start brushing your teeth. Use a Q-tip saturated with Peridex to clean the gum around the implant.
  
  
• If gauze is in place, remove it within one hour of your departure time. At this time the patient may start eating/drinking and taking their pain medication. Do not take medications on an empty stomach. The patient may resume all other medications at this time.
  
  
• Some swelling and bruising is anticipated after certain types of oral surgery. This usually peaks about 36 - 48 hours after surgery. The swelling should start to resolve at this point.
  
  
• Some numbness may be expected after certain types of oral surgery and may take several days, or possibly several months to resolve.
  
  
• Remember while taking narcotic pain reliever or other medications that make you sleepy, you should avoid driving a vehicle, operating heavy machinery, or use of fire arms. This is extremely important.
  
  
• Rest with head elevated. Patient should get up and down slowly. Getting up too fast could result in fainting. If "faintness" occurs, lie down wherever possible to avoid collapsing. Remain there until you gain stability.

If you have a sinus lift. . .


• Sneeze or cough with your mouth open. DO NOT blow your nose.
  
  
• A responsible adult must drive the patient home and stay with him or her for the remainder of the day.