Dental Implant Surgery in Frisco, TX
After Placement of Dental Implants
Your instructions may differ than listed on the website. Most importantly, follow the instructions provided specifically to you. The online instructions are generalized in nature. Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for a few days. 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 at a time. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. It will typically maximize in 48-72 hours. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice intermittently, as much as possible, for the first 24 hours. The ice should be applied for 20 minutes and removed for 20 minutes. Be careful not to nap with the ice left in place. Injuries to facial nerves may occur when the ice is left in place continuously.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food until the local anesthesia has resolved. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. Please avoid nuts, chips, seeds and popcorn.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as directed by the office. For moderate pain, an over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil may be enough. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any medication if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Antibiotics
If you were provided an antibiotic, please take as directed to help prevent or manage infection. Not all patients will receive an antibiotic prescription.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Peridex rinse is frequently prescribed for oral surgery procedures. If you received a prescription, be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm saltwater rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) may be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and 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. You should be able to eat and drink like normal prior to exercising. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise. You should not be taking any pain medication that has a narcotic in it if you plan to exercise.