Post-Operative Instructions
Sun City West, AZ

Post-Operative Instructions For Implant Surgery

Post-Operative Instructions:

• Go home, lie down and keep your head slightly elevated.
• Use an ice pack over the surgical area to reduce swelling. It is recommended that the pack be used for the remainder of the day and the following day. Bagged, cubed ice will work best. Expect most swelling to occur within three days and remain in the area for 3–4 days. It will be most obvious in the morning.
• Eat soft foods and drink lots of fluids. If you get hypoglycemic or dehydrated you will feel poorly. Even if you do not feel hungry or thirsty, eat and drink anyway. Cool soft foods are recommended for the first 24 hours.
• Do not drink through a straw for the first 24 hours. Doing so creates negative pressure on the inside of the mouth, and can precipitate bleedings.
• Take the pain/anti-inflammatory medication (Ibuprofen) for the first 48 hours, whether you think you need it or not. This will help to keep the swelling down.
• Take the antibiotics until they are finished. Please let the office know if any problems arise with this medication such as stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea.
• Avoid flossing the surgical site. This may disturb the sutures. Hold liquid in mouth over treatment site for 1 minute then expectorate with the anti-microbial mouthwash for the first 2 days, then use the red soft brush given to you at the surgery visit. You will dip this in the rinse and brush the surgical site gently, along with holding liquid in mouth three times a day, to accomplish cleaning. Brush and floss the rest of your mouth in the usual manner. The use of a Waterpik is not recommended for implants.
• If bleeding occurs and does not stop with gentle pressure, apply a moistened tea bag (not herbal). Put pressure on the bleeding site for 60 minutes. This should stop the bleeding. If this is unsuccessful call the office or Dr. Kammeyer at home for assistance at any time, Day or Night. Some patients may also experience mild to severe bruising.
• Eliminate strenuous activities for the first 48 hours. Limit yourself to moderate activities for one week.
• After about 4 days there may be some tightness as the tissues "draw" against the stitches. The discomfort is normal and can easily be controlled with Tylenol.