If placed, bite down and maintain firm pressure on the gauze pack that was placed at the end of your surgery. Do this for at least 30 minutes. At that time remove the pack and replace it with another gauze sponge as provided. Repeat this as necessary. There should not be excessive bleeding. Bright red blood rapidly pooling in the area is not normal. If this occurs and does not decrease with pressure please call the office immediately.

Be sure to eat a soft nutritious food prior to taking any prescribed medications. This will decrease the chances of post-surgical nausea.  Take your pain medications as needed in accordance with the directions. Codeine / hydrocodone can be supplemented with Advil type medications. Be sure you have no allergies that the doctor does not know about.

Do not rinse or spit for a minimum of 24 hours. This tends to disturb the blood clot, open the wound and can prolong bleeding and slow healing. Do not brush the teeth in the area of surgery for 48 hours. When brushing, be gentle. When expectorating, BE GENTLE.  DO NOT use any product containing peroxide for three months.  Do not use any mouthwash products for one month.  Use of either of these could potentially cause the implant to not integrate properly and lead to failure. Use warm salt water rinses in the area of the surgery, gently swish, and then gently expectorate.

If your surgery was in the anterior (front) maxillary (upper jaw), you can expect swelling and discomfort up into the nose and even under the eyes. Bruising and discoloration are not unusual. Crushed ice or equivalent should be placed in a plastic bag and then in a washcloth and placed near the surgical site. Apply for 30 minutes, then off for 20-30 minutes. This should be done on a near continuous basis (or as much as possible) for the first 48 hours or longer if this helps reduce your pain.

Avoid excess physical activity and exercise the first week after surgery. Do not drink with a straw or drink carbonated liquids (minimum one week). Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking your pain medication. In addition, DO NOT SMOKE.  SMOKING INCREASES THE RISK OF IMPLANT FAILURE.

You may notice that you cannot see the implant in your mouth if the gums cover the area. This is perfectly fine. In many instances, if a temporary tooth was not placed, a healing cap was placed over the implant. This will look silver and will be emerging through the gums. Do not stretch your lip daily to inspect the area. This can cause wound breakdown. Be very cautious not to eat on the healing cap(s) as it will place undue pressure on the implant(s) below the bone level.

If you have a temporary tooth placed on the implant, avoid use of this tooth for three months. It is for esthetics only. Avoid flossing this area for two-three weeks.

If something would arise that you consider unusual please do not hesitate to contact the office immediately.