Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag filled with ice, or a towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice 15 minutes on the area and 15 minutes off as much as possible, for the first eight hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food while the surgical site is “numb”.  Soft food and liquids should be eaten for 3-4 days after surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should take the first dose of pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.

• Tylenol Extra strength: 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours (but no more than 8 tablets in a 24 hour period)
• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin): 2 or 3 tablets every 6 hours (but no more than 12 tablets in a 24 hour period)

If either of these drugs does not control the pain, take the pain medication prescribed by our office and follow the directions on the prescription. If this does not provide relief please call the office (937-778-1623) Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been told by your physician not to take them.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.  Stop taking the antibiotic if you have any itching, a rash, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea.

Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth and the healing abutment(s) is not a problem but be sure to use the soft bristle brush provided by our office. when brushing in the surgical area do so gently.

Sutures

Sutures after implant surgery are usually of a type that must be removed by Dr. Tinkler.  This is usually done about seven days to two weeks after the surgery.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum on the day of surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 14 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.