Oral Surgeon Johns Creek, GA
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will usually be a metal healing abutment (post) protruding through the gums. Please take care to avoid heavy contact with he healing abutment (post) during eating as this may affect the healing of the implant underneath. It is not uncommon for the healing abutment (post) to become loose or fall out. If this happens please keep the healing abutment handy and call our office immediately.
SUTURES
Usually there will be sutures (stitches) placed to reapproximate the gingiva at the surgical sites. The sutures we place are usually resorbable and do not need to be removed. Please avoid tampering with the sutures, allow 7-10 days for sutures to dissolve. Occasionally sutures may break and fall out sooner than anticipated, this is not cause for alarm simply keep the area clean, healing typically progresses as normal.
BLEEDING
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a moistened gauze pad placed under pressure directly over the bleeding wound for 30 to 60 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions. Avoid the use of straws for 2-3 days after surgery.
SWELLING
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an icepack, or towel filled with ice, on the face in the area of surgery. Apply the ice 20 mins on and 20 mins off at a time, as much as possible, for the first 24 hours.
DIET
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery and for 2-3 days. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
PAIN
- You should begin taking pain medication as soon as possible prior to the local anesthetic wearing off which typically occurs 2-3 hrs after the procedure. For mild or moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours not to exceed the max daily dose written on the bottle. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: up to 4 tablets may be taken at a time, four times daily, not to exceed the max daily dose written on the bottle. Consult our office for additional recommendations.
- For severe pain, you may be prescribed stronger medications. These medications should be taken as directed. Do not take any medication if you are allergic to it or similar medicines, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an auto mobile or work around machinery and avoid alcoholic beverages while taking narcotic pain medications. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside gradually. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call our office.
ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics are usually necessary after implant surgery especially when bone graft material is used, if prescribed should be taken as directed to help prevent infection and subsequent implant failure.
ORAL HYGIENE
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse gently 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 (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 3 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brush your teeth along with the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas and be sure to use a soft bristle brush. If a bone graft material was used its normal to notice multiple small grains during rinsing or brushing, this should stop after 1-2 days.
ACTIVITY
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in 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 for at least 7 days, unless directed otherwise by the doctor.
SMOKING
Smoking not only disturbs and delays the normal wound healing but it also increases risk of excessive post-surgical bleeding as well as infection hence should be avoided for 3-4 days after surgery.