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. This is normal.
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 generally proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs (we suggest you leave them on for 30 minutes and off for 30 minutes for the first 24-36 hours; except during sleep time). After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery.
Diet
Your diet for the first 2 days should consist of soft foods that require little to no chewing over the implant site. You may gradually increase the consistency of your food over the first week, as long as there are no heavy chewing forces directly over the implant. Your doctor may give you more specified instructions, regarding diet, in your particular case.
Pain
Dr. Starr will prescribe medications that are appropriate for you and the surgery you under went. The instructions will be on the bottle you receive.
For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. Any narcotic pain medicine (Tylenol #3, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, Lortab, Percocet, or Darvocet) may make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should be controlled. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office. Most prescription narcotics also have Tylenol (acetaminophen) in them. Therefore, it is best to not add any extra over the counter Tylenol with your prescription.
Antibiotics
Not every patient requires post operative antibiotics. If you were prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for proper healing. No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. The day after surgery you should begin rinsing at least 5-6 times a day especially after eating with a cup of warm water mixed with a 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Brushing your teeth and the healing metal overcap abutments in no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following 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 judicially if at all, after surgery and for at least 7-10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation. Each patient is different in this regard and our doctors will give you instructions regarding your particular situation.