Instructions for Dental Implants
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY:
- Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.
- Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.
- Do not smoke.
- Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.
Spitting, the use of a straw, smoking, and poking the surgical area can dislodge the blood clot that is forming and will cause bleeding from the area. Also, smoking can increase the chances of an infection.
BLEEDING
Some minor bleeding is expected after dental implant surgery. It will usually subside quickly and stop within an hour or two after surgery. A little oozing is normal and may persist for several hours. Keep gauze on the surgical area with some biting pressure for 15-30 minutes.
SWELLING
Most patients will experience some swelling after surgery in the mouth. It may be mild or severe and is different for every patient. The swelling may increase for the first 24–48 hours before it starts to go away.
It may last for several days. Some bruising may also develop on the face.
DIET
You may start with non-abrasive foods such as mashed potatoes, pasta, soup, or scrambled eggs as soon as the local anesthetic wears off.
You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel up to it; however, please try not to chew directly on the implant sites.
ORAL HYGIENE
You may start rinsing tomorrow, very gently, with the prescribed mouth rinse. You may brush your teeth per usual, though be very careful near the surgical sites. After stitches fall off, gently brush over cover screws to keep clean.
SUTURES
Unless told otherwise, the sutures used during your procedure are dissolvable and will fall out on their own. This generally occurs in the first week after surgery, but timing varies from 4–10 days.
WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THE IMPLANT?
Depending on the location of the implant, your surgeon may opt to bury the implant under the gum tissue or have a healing cap that protrudes slightly through the gums. If you have a healing cap, it needs to be kept clean by rinsing initially and with a toothbrush after sutures fall out. Please do not chew on it. In time, you will return and have the implant uncovered so the implant can be restored.