Implant -Post Procedure Instructions

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• Care should be taken in the immediate postoperative period to minimize contact with the implant.

•  Aside from normal hygiene, it is best to completely leave the implant alone for the first 2 weeks after placement.

•  You may want to limit foods to softer items and chew in an area away from the implant during the 10 to 12 week integration stage.

• No spitting, carbonated beverages, smoking, drinking through a straw, or alcoholic beverages should be consumed for at least 7 days following dental implant placement​

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• Most of the implant patients at Valley Arts Dental  report in their follow-up appointments that they were surprised how little pain they experienced from their dental implants. With that said, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.

• If you do not have an allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) we recommend taking this prior to the local anesthetic wearing off.  

• Recent studies suggest that the combination of Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) with an NSAID (Ibuprophen, Advil, Motrin, etc) is one of the most effective regiments to relieve post Implant discomfort or pain. All medication should NOT exceed the recommended dosage. *NOTE: If you are taking PLAVIX or COUMADIN, do NOT take Ibuprofen or Aspirin products.

• After your implant procedure at Valley Arts Dental, you may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections. If so, take all of the medication as directed. If you experience any adverse reactions, such as nausea, rash, or itching, discontinue the medication. A rash or itching may indicate an allergic reaction to a medication. Antihistamines (Benadryl®) will usually counteract the hives, rash, and itching. Swelling of the lips or tongue or difficulty breathing may represent a more severe allergic reaction, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

• Minimal bleeding is expected after implant surgery. Bleeding after surgery may continue for several hours. The best way to stop bleeding is to fold 2 pieces of damp gauze over the extraction site and gently bite for 30-60 minutes making sure pressure is being applied to the extraction site.

• Rest quietly with your head elevated. If bleeding continues, use gauze for an additional 30 minutes. Bleeding should always be evaluated by looking directly at the surgical site. Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem. Suture material may last 2 to 3 days and should be left alone.

• You will be asked to return to the office for a 2 week follow-up appointment. Any sutures remaining at that time may be removed at the Doctors discression Do not pull or cut the sutures yourself.

•  Swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and healing. The swelling will not become apparent until 24 hours after surgery and will not reach its peak for 2-3 days. After this time, the swelling should decrease but may persist for 7-10 days.

•  Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Apply the ice packs to the outside of the face 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off while awake for the first 24 hours. After 48 hours, begin use of a warm, moist compress to the cheek.

• While numb, patients should avoid hot liquids or foods.

• Patients may have applesauce, pudding, or jello. Once numbness wears off patients can progress to more solid foods, chewing away from the surgical sites.

• The doctors at Valley Arts Dental  recommend you stay away from any food tgat would irritate a cut on your skin. This includes  very acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon, or grapefruit juice, etc. as well as very spicy foods in order to protect the healing sites.

• Our doctors also recommend staying away from foods that may be prone to getting stuck in the surgical site, including things like sesame seeds, etc.

• The best way to prevent infection and ensure healing is to keep your mouth clean.

• Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste after meals and at bedtime. Should bleeding resume after brushing, repeat the use of gauze as described above.

• Healing Bad breath is common and will disappear as healing occurs.

• Two to three days following surgery, white, possible hard tissue may be seen in the surgical site. This signifies normal, healing tissue. It’s not unusual to see the silver healing cap appear through gum tissue following procedure.

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• If an antibiotic is prescribed, take the tablets or liquid as directed

• Take the entire prescription until gone.

• Antibiotics are often prescribed  to help prevent infection following an implant related procedure, and the type of antibiotic will be based on your doctors discretion