Postoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Implant Surgery

By nature any surgery performed in and around the mouth will produce some degree of swelling, discomfort and restriction of jaw movement. These findings are different for each patient and when it comes to implant surgery they are usually not severe. The following instructions are designed to address the most common problems that may arise following the placement of implants and make your postoperative recovery as easy and as comfortable as possible.

Bleeding – A small amount of bleeding is to be expected to follow surgery. To minimize this, keep the gauze packs (a 2”x 2” square of gauze folded over twice) in place over the surgery site for at least 15-30 minutes, with light but firm pressure. Then remove the gauze and check to see if it is still bleeding. Remember the packs will always have a small amount of blood on them, and therefore, look red, because they absorb blood directly from the wounds, even after the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding continues you may need to repeat the above procedure several times. After replacing the gauze the second or third time you may rinse your mouth once, gently, to remove any blood that may have accumulated. Please do not continue rinsing on the day of surgery as this only encourages more bleeding. Finally, many patients will taste blood or experience some minor bleeding (i.e., on waking or after brushing) for the first 24 hours. This is normal and you should not be alarmed.

Pain – Aspirin, Tylenol or preparations such as Bufferin, Anacin or Advil (Ibuprofen) should relieve the discomfort associated with simple implant surgery. If more intense pain is anticipated, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate pain medication for your individual needs. Even if prescription pain medication is required for a day or two, many patients find that ibuprofen like medications are more effective several days after surgery to relieve discomfort.

Swelling – Some degree of swelling is commonplace following implant surgery. This will reach its maximum point two to three days after surgery and may be accompanied by some bruising, but usually only a faint yellow color will appear on the face and neck. The yellow color should not be confused with an infection.

In any event, the swelling and any bruising will usually resolve within 7-10 days. An ice pack applied to the face, especially for the first 6-10 hours after surgery will also help. The same type of swelling can affect the sensory nerves in the jaw bones (especially the lower jaw) causing a numb sensation (paresthesia) in your lips, chin, teeth or tongue following surgery. This numb sensation (like Novocain) is usually transient (lasting ten to thirty days) and is rarely if ever permanent. A simple ice pack can be made by placing ice into a plastic bag and wrapping it in a wash cloth. Place the ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes then take it off for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this cycle.

Diet – You will be most comfortable with liquids and soft foods for one or two days after surgery. Avoid extremely hot food and liquids the first day post-operatively. You may then resume your normal diet, with the exception of very hard foods, and try to avoid chewing directly over the surgery sites. Do not drink through a straw.

Oral Hygiene – Do no rinsing of your mouth the day of surgery. The day following surgery, you may begin to rinse gently with warm salty water (tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of tap water). This should be done after meals and at bedtime for one week. You may brush and floss your teeth starting the day after surgery but try to avoid the surgery site.

Smoking – Smokers are advised not to smoke for at least 48-72 hours after surgery. Smoking will contaminate the wound and increase the risk of infection as well as aggravating the bleeding and cause more pain.

If the above instructions are not clear, or you have a persistent problem, please call the office for assistance.