After Care Following Implant Surgery
Healing following surgery usually occurs within one to two weeks without complications
Occasionally problems arise because the mouth
- Cannot be rested whilst healing occurs
- Cannot be sterilized and therefore the risk of wound infection is possible.
To minimize PAIN and SWELLING and to ensure an uneventful recovery please follow this advice.
Rest
Avoid disturbing the surgical area. Relax at home for the remainder of the day with your head propped up by a couple of pillows. This will help minimize bleeding and swelling. Avoid strenuous physical exertion for 48 hours.
Swelling
Minor swelling is normal after surgery. It may persist for up to three days and can be accompanied by bruising. Ice packs applied to the face over the surgical area for 20 minutes during the first hour following surgery will help to reduce swelling. Your dentist may recommend application of ice packs for a longer period of time if required.
Pain
Regular Panadol® and/or Nurofen® will generally provide adequate pain relief. For stronger pain relief, you may take Panadeine® or Panadeine® Forte instead of Panadol®. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Avoid Aspirin, as this can prolong bleeding.
Bleeding
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected, especially as the local anaesthetic wears off. A moderate amount of blood-stained saliva us normal during the first 24-36 hours. If heavy bleeding commences, gently rinse your mouth with warm salty water and apply pressure to the area by biting gently on a pack of moist gauze or clean cloth for about 30 minutes. Repeat this procedure if bleeding persists. Should bleeding continue call your dentist for advice.
Oral Hygiene
On the day of surgery you should avoid vigorous mouth rinsing as it will disturb the blood clot. After 24 hours commence mouthwashes with either warm salt water (add 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water) or Savacol® diluted 1:1 with warm water. Rinse gently by moving the water around your mouth and then hold the solution there for two to three minutes. This should be performed four times a day, especially after eating, and continue for one week. Resume normal cleaning with a toothbrush within 12 hours avoiding direct contact with the surgical site.
Diet
You should stick to a diet of soft foods for the first few days and avoid eating anything too hot for the first 24 hours. Chew on the other side of your mouth and return to a normal diet as tolerated. Maintain your normal fluid intake.
Antibiotics
If antibiotics have been prescribed you should finish the course unless you have a severe adverse reaction. Women taking oral contraceptive should be aware that the contraceptive effect could be diminished.
Possible Complications
Bad breath and taste, earache, headache and referred pain in other teeth can occur. Discomfort of the lips can be alleviated by the use of Vaseline®.
Dentures
If you wear a denture it is important that it doesn’t cause trauma at the implant site. Your dentist may advise you not to wear it for the first week.
Make an appointment with Restore Dental & Prosthodontics today!
If you’re looking to book an appointment with us, please call reception on 07 3483 2000, e-mail reception@restoredental.com.au or by using our online form, and one of our team will be in touch shortly.
