Post-Op: Dental Implants

Wound Care

• Do NOT disturb the wound. Good hygiene is important, so keep it clean. You can use a Q-tip soaked in Peridex to gently keep the implant area clean and free of plaque. Gently brush the surrounding teeth.

• You will usually have a follow-up appointment about a week after your implant placement. After that, you can usually start gently brushing the implant area. Call us with any questions.

• Warm salt-water rinses can be done after meals.

Chewing

• Avoid chewing in the area of the implant. Implants need to stay still to heal. Chewing on the implant is known to compromise its healing.

Swelling

• Swelling is normal after surgery but is usually minimal with implants. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack as needed for the first 48 hours.

Eating and Drinking

• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids and foods. Soft foods and liquids can be eaten the day of surgery. Just avoid chewing on the implant while it heals.

Smoking

• If you smoke, try to minimize smoking. Smoking slows healing.

Pain Control

• Ibuprofen + Tylenol: Ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) taken together are our main protocol for pain control and are usually enough. Unless you are unable to take NSAIDs, take them as prescribed.

• Narcotic pain medication: Narcotics are often not needed for implant surgery. If one is prescribed, take it only as needed and as directed.

• Antibiotic: If an antibiotic was prescribed, continue taking it for the full length of time, even if all symptoms are gone.