Post Operative Instructions Following Implant Surgery

Rest:

Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day following surgery.
Always get up slowing from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
Limit physical activity as if you have a cold or the flu.
To encourage rapid healing, please REST!

Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off. You may wish to take your pain medication at our office immediately following surgery, but you MUST HAVE A DRIVER. If you do not have a driver, you may take the medication as prescribed as soon as you arrive at home.
If the pain medication seems to wear off before it is time to take more, you may want to alternate it with Ibuprofen every two hours. (Ibuprofen: Adults do not exceed 800mg four times a day.)
If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.

Do not brush, floss, rinse or spit the day of the surgery.
Do not use mouthwash.
Begin rinsing with the prescription peridex mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery.
Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for 2 days. Weak salt-water rinses may be used, gently, to loosen food debris.
Begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery remembering to rinse very gently. You may begin to brush the surgical area 2 days after surgery.
When brushing the surgical area, run your toothbrush under hot water to soften the bristles.
Be prepared to leave your dentures or partials out for approximately one week.

Maintain a balanced diet.
Eat softer foods, such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, baked potatoes, or hot cereals.
Avoid sharp, spicy, acidic or chewy foods for several days.

Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen clotting, causing bleeding.

Some seepage of blood is expected, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call!

Some swelling often occurs and this is normal in the healing process. However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever or pain, please call immediately.
DO NOT USE ICE PACKS FOLLOWING SURGERY!

DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE ON PAIN MEDICATION!
Avoid the use of alcohol and aspirin for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication. These are both blood thinners and may cause bleeding and delay the healing process.

We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.

If you have any questions or concerns please call us!

PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS...

Kenmore & Mill Creek Office (425) 486-9111 Tri-Cities Office (509) 542-9111

AFTER HOURS Contact Number (206) 726-2396