Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Dental Implants
27800 Medical Center Rd #238
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949-364-0220
fax 949-582-0563
Kenneth Girard DDS
AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY
After dental implant surgery, it is important to carefully follow all post-operative instructions and take all medications as instructioned. After an implant has been placed, there may be a small metal cylinder (healing abutment) protruding through the gums. Be careful and avoid traumatizing or chewing directly on this area. There also will be sutures which should not be disturbed. Avoid rinsing the first day. Use your medications as prescribed and it is very important to take your antibiotics and mouth rinse as prescribed.
On occasion, the small metal cylinder (healing abutment) may loosen. The implant itself is generally fine, but it is important to not swallow the healing abutment and save the healing abutment. It is not an emergency, but give our office a call and you will be further instructed. Do keep the area clean by gently rinsing frequently if the healing abutment has come off.
BLEEDING
Slight bleeding and redness in the saliva is common after surgery. If there is excess bleeding, gently wipe any old clots from the mouth and then place gauze over the area and bite firmly for 30 to 40 minutes. Repeat every 30 to 40 minutes with new gauze. If excessive bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag firmly for 30 to 40 minutes. Slowly remove the tea bag and leave the area alone. If there is still continued excessive bleeding, call our office for further instructions. Also avoid excessive talking, drinking from a straw, or excessive chewing if there is continued bleeding.
SWELLING
Swelling is normal after any surgical procedure. The extent of swelling varies and depends on the extent of the surgery and each individual patient. Swelling around the mouth, jaws, cheeks, and below the eyes is not uncommon. The swelling will usually reach its maximum 2 to 3 days after the surgical procedure. The swelling can be decreased by the immediate use of ice packs in the first 24 hours. Ice packs should be applied to the outside next to where the surgery was done. Keep the ice on for 20 to 30 minutes at a time then remove for 20 to 30 minutes. Also sitting upright and not lying flat on the first day will help to decrease the amount of swelling.
PAIN
Pain medications are normally required after surgery. If you can take ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), take 400 to 600 mg every 6 to 8 hours or as prescribed by your doctor. Ibuprofen will help with pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory. If you cannot take ibuprofen, then 1 to 2 tablets of regular tylenol should be taken every 4 hours.
If you were prescribed a stronger pain medication such as vicodin, norco, lortab, tylenol with codeine, or percocet, you can take that in addition to your ibuprofen if the pain is severe. Follow the directions written on your prescription bottle. If you do take any of these medications, do not drive or work around machinery. Also avoid alcohol. If pain is severe, not controlled with your medicaitons, or persists, call our office for further instructions.
ORAL HYGIENE AFTER SURGERY
Rinsing should not be the day of surgery. On the day after surgery, gentle rinsing with warm salt water should be done at least after each meal. You can brush your teeth the day after surgery, but be careful to not traumatize the area where the surgery was done.
DIET
If you had IV sedation or general anesthesia, liquids should be initially taken. Your diet can then progress to more solids as tolerated. Ensure adequate fluids and nutrition to prevent dehydration.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
After IV sedation or general anesthesia, some patients may feel nauseated and vomit. To help avoid this problem, do not take your medications on an empty stomach. Take sips of clear carbonated liquids such as ginger ale or 7-up. Hold off on your medications if possible until the nausea subsides. Try to stay hydrated with liquids. Sometimes, patients feel nauseated from the prescribed pain medications, particularly the stronger pain medications such as vicodin. Try stopping the pain medications and see if the nausea subsides. If you have continued nausea and vomiting, call our office for further instructions.
BRUISING AND DISCOLORATION
After surgery, some patients may notice bruising or discoloration around the areas of surgery. This is normal post-operatively and can take several days to subside.
JAW TIGHTNESS OR LIMITED MOUTH OPENING
This is normal following surgery and will improve and resolve over time. On occasion, you may be shown jaw exercises to help increase your jaw opening.
DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS
After IV sedation or general anesthesia, some patients may feel dizzy went standing up. Always have someone watching you the first 24 hours after sedation. Do not get up quickly from a sitting or lying position and make sure to remain hydrated with fluids.
SMOKING
Smoking can inhibit the healing process and can cause more pain after surgery. To ensure the best postoperative recovery, refrain from smoking as long as possible after surgery.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CALL OUR OFFICE. WE ARE ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY.
After dental implant surgery, it is important to carefully follow all post-operative instructions and take all medications as instructioned. After an implant has been placed, there may be a small metal cylinder (healing abutment) protruding through the gums. Be careful and avoid traumatizing or chewing directly on this area. There also will be sutures which should not be disturbed. Avoid rinsing the first day. Use your medications as prescribed and it is very important to take your antibiotics and mouth rinse as prescribed.
On occasion, the small metal cylinder (healing abutment) may loosen. The implant itself is generally fine, but it is important to not swallow the healing abutment and save the healing abutment. It is not an emergency, but give our office a call and you will be further instructed. Do keep the area clean by gently rinsing frequently if the healing abutment has come off.
BLEEDING
Slight bleeding and redness in the saliva is common after surgery. If there is excess bleeding, gently wipe any old clots from the mouth and then place gauze over the area and bite firmly for 30 to 40 minutes. Repeat every 30 to 40 minutes with new gauze. If excessive bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag firmly for 30 to 40 minutes. Slowly remove the tea bag and leave the area alone. If there is still continued excessive bleeding, call our office for further instructions. Also avoid excessive talking, drinking from a straw, or excessive chewing if there is continued bleeding.
SWELLING
Swelling is normal after any surgical procedure. The extent of swelling varies and depends on the extent of the surgery and each individual patient. Swelling around the mouth, jaws, cheeks, and below the eyes is not uncommon. The swelling will usually reach its maximum 2 to 3 days after the surgical procedure. The swelling can be decreased by the immediate use of ice packs in the first 24 hours. Ice packs should be applied to the outside next to where the surgery was done. Keep the ice on for 20 to 30 minutes at a time then remove for 20 to 30 minutes. Also sitting upright and not lying flat on the first day will help to decrease the amount of swelling.
PAIN
Pain medications are normally required after surgery. If you can take ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), take 400 to 600 mg every 6 to 8 hours or as prescribed by your doctor. Ibuprofen will help with pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory. If you cannot take ibuprofen, then 1 to 2 tablets of regular tylenol should be taken every 4 hours.
If you were prescribed a stronger pain medication such as vicodin, norco, lortab, tylenol with codeine, or percocet, you can take that in addition to your ibuprofen if the pain is severe. Follow the directions written on your prescription bottle. If you do take any of these medications, do not drive or work around machinery. Also avoid alcohol. If pain is severe, not controlled with your medicaitons, or persists, call our office for further instructions.
ORAL HYGIENE AFTER SURGERY
Rinsing should not be the day of surgery. On the day after surgery, gentle rinsing with warm salt water should be done at least after each meal. You can brush your teeth the day after surgery, but be careful to not traumatize the area where the surgery was done.
DIET
If you had IV sedation or general anesthesia, liquids should be initially taken. Your diet can then progress to more solids as tolerated. Ensure adequate fluids and nutrition to prevent dehydration.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
After IV sedation or general anesthesia, some patients may feel nauseated and vomit. To help avoid this problem, do not take your medications on an empty stomach. Take sips of clear carbonated liquids such as ginger ale or 7-up. Hold off on your medications if possible until the nausea subsides. Try to stay hydrated with liquids. Sometimes, patients feel nauseated from the prescribed pain medications, particularly the stronger pain medications such as vicodin. Try stopping the pain medications and see if the nausea subsides. If you have continued nausea and vomiting, call our office for further instructions.
BRUISING AND DISCOLORATION
After surgery, some patients may notice bruising or discoloration around the areas of surgery. This is normal post-operatively and can take several days to subside.
JAW TIGHTNESS OR LIMITED MOUTH OPENING
This is normal following surgery and will improve and resolve over time. On occasion, you may be shown jaw exercises to help increase your jaw opening.
DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS
After IV sedation or general anesthesia, some patients may feel dizzy went standing up. Always have someone watching you the first 24 hours after sedation. Do not get up quickly from a sitting or lying position and make sure to remain hydrated with fluids.
SMOKING
Smoking can inhibit the healing process and can cause more pain after surgery. To ensure the best postoperative recovery, refrain from smoking as long as possible after surgery.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CALL OUR OFFICE. WE ARE ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY.