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Postoperative Instructions for Dental Implants

1.        After implantation, the dentist may apply a surgical dressing around the incision.  Standard dental instructions recommend keeping this dressing in place for as long as possible during the initial postoperative phase.  The patient should use a cotton swab to clean the area rather than a tooth brush.

2.       Beginning within 24 hours after dental surgery, postoperative instructions usually call for warm salt water rinsing.  This should be done very lightly without shaking the head and without swishing the salt water.  This will prevent the surgical area from becoming agitated.  Warm salt water rinses should continue twice daily for the next two weeks with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of water.

3.       If antibiotics are part of your post operative instructions, it is essential that you take them as prescribed, on time, every time, with no skipping doses.  If you experience an adverse reaction to your medication, call the office immediately.

4.       It is also recommended that you use an ice pack on the side of your face and the sides of your jaws for the first 48 hours after surgery.  Try to do this around the clock as much as possible. 

5.       It is important that you maintain a high protein diet throughout the first part of the postoperative phase. Foods that are a good source of protein are eggs, soup, cottage cheese, milk products, and lean ground beef. The blender may be used to chop up foods. Food supplements, such as Meritene or Nutrament are available at pharmacies. A fairly soft diet should be maintained for several months following surgery while the implant area heals. Avoid all foods that are hard or crusty. 

6.       Avoid using a Water Pik and do not play with the implant with your tongue.  This will only traumatize the implant area.  Also, avoid any food that is hard or crusty, and avoid using a Water Pik.

7.       Most implant dentists include a daily vitamin supplements in their list of postoperative instructions.  Any good multi-vitamin with a minimum of 1000 mg of Vitamin C will work.  

8.       If upper posterior implants were placed, we instruct patients to avoid blowing the nose during the first two weeks of the postoperative period.  Otherwise, infection can set in.

9.   Any dental implant patient who suspects he or she is getting an infection during the postoperative phase is advised to contact the dental office immediately. 

10.   If no signs of infection show up, the patient should return in two weeks for suture removal and postoperative evaluation.

11.   The remainder of the healing process can take up to six months from the time the dental implant is placed.  The dentist will probably have you wear a temporary prosthesis and make periodic adjustments to make sure it fits and works correctly.

12.   When the permanent prosthesis is made, the dentist will give you instructions on cleaning the implant and keeping it in optimal health with periodic visits to the dental office.

      If you have any concerns, feel suddenly ill, or find any of these postoperative instructions unlear, please call our 24-hour answering service after hours, or contact our office during business hours.  Do not go to another dentist while traveling unless you speak with your dentist in our office first.