Implant Instructions

PRE-OP DENTAL IMPLANT INSTRUCTIONS

After the placement of dental implants do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound for 24 hours. There may or may not be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

 

BLEEDING

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for the first day. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for one hour. If bleeding continues bite on a moist gauze wrapped in a tea bag for 30 minutes. Do not talk during the time of applying pressure as it may dislodge the gauze.

 

SWELLING

Swelling is quite usual after surgery. 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 (20 minutes on/20 minutes off), as much as possible, for the first 36 hours. Cold compress is not beneficial after the first 36 hours.

 

DIET

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Dr. Matthew Hilmi recommends a full liquid diet for 24 hours. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

 

PAIN

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed by Dr. Matthew Hilmi.

 

ANTIBIOTICS

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

 

ORAL HYGIENE

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery use the prescribed Peridex (Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12%) oral rinse 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 saltwater rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least four to five 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. Exercise may cause throbbing or heavy bleeding. If this occurs, you should modify or discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment or hydration.

 

PROSTHETICS

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least two weeks. This was discussed in your pre-operative consultation with Dr. Matthew Hilmi.

 

Do not smoke or drink alcohol before or after surgery.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact us 24/7 at 845-340-1962.

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