The information in this video has been compiled to help our patients understand the healing process and how to avoid problems. By following these instructions closely, you will ensure that your recovery is as comfortable as possible.
Post-Operative Instructions for Dental Implant & Bone Grafting Surgery
Prescribed Medications (use as directed):
Take Amoxicillin (500 mg) 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) until completed. If you are allergic, an alternative antibiotic will be prescribed. The antibiotic is very important and must be taken to completion.
Use Chlorhexidine oral rinse (Peridex™) twice a day for 2 weeks or until instructed by the doctor.
You can take a narcotic analgesic (Tylenol® #3 or equivalent) for moderate to severe pain. Take 2 tablets within 1 hour after surgery or as needed.
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid spitting or touching the wound for a few days after surgery. There may be a metal stump slightly protruding through the gum tissue.
Bleeding after implant surgery is normal and may continue for several hours. If bleeding is excessive, roll a pad of sterile gauze or clean linen the size of the wound and hold firmly on the wound by closing teeth or by using finger pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call the office for further instructions.
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. Put an ice pack or cold towel your face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, it is usually best to switch from ice to moist heat to the same areas. The earlier this is started, the less swelling you will experience.
Avoid rinsing your mouth for 24 hours. (Rinsing may dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the normal healing process.) If no bleeding problem has occurred within the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoonful of salt to glass of warm water) 3 times a day for 7 days, especially after meals. If you were given a prescription mouth rinse (such as Peridex), use it as directed in addition to the salt water.
Drink plenty of fluids. Have nothing hot to eat or drink for 24 hours; lukewarm liquids are recommended. Soft foods only for 2 weeks. You may gradually return to a normal diet as tolerated 2 weeks after surgery unless otherwise noted.
Brushing your teeth is important to decrease the risk of infection. Be very careful with brushing around the surgical site(s) until the gum tissue is fully healed.
If a temporary denture/flipper was provided, it should be used for aesthetic purposes only (i.e., absolutely no chewing, eating, or direct pressure/trauma on the provided temporary denture unit). Failure to follow these instructions may jeopardize the outcome of the implant(s) and may lead to certain complications, such as implant loss.
If a sinus lift surgery is done, do not blow your nose for 2 weeks, and sneeze only with your mouth open (follow sinus precautions).
Your bone graft is made up of many particles. You may find some small granules in your mouth for the first several days. Do not be alarmed; it’s normal to have some of them come out of the graft site and into your mouth. Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area, as the material is movable during the initial healing.
Keep physical activities to a minimum for several days after surgery.
IT IS OUR DESIRE THAT YOUR RECOVERY BE AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE. FOLLOWING THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL ASSIST YOU, BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PROGRESS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT (604) 504-7522.
After normal working hours (evenings or weekends), our answering service will page Dr. Esmail or the doctor on call.