Following the oral surgeon’s completion of your dental implant placement, it is crucial not to disturb the wound. On the day of the oral surgery, please refrain from rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound. You may notice a metal healing abutment extending through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Apply direct pressure on the surgical site by closing your mouth on rolled-up gauze. Keep it in place for one hour, then remove it. Minor blood on the gauze is normal. Check for minimal bleeding, and if none, you can eat. If bleeding persists, use a fresh gauze with tap water for 20-30 minutes. You can use two gauzes together if needed. If bleeding concerns persist after changing the gauze twice, contact us. Expect slightly pink-tinged saliva and pillow soiling for 1-2 days. Consider using a towel to cover the pillow.
Interface surgeons recommend taking pain medication before the local anesthetic wears off, ensuring it’s already effective. A preventive approach to pain relief is best, taking medication before feeling pain. If multiple medications are provided, alternate their usage for even pain control. For example, take ibuprofen first, followed by Tylenol #3 after a few hours. Take medications after breakfast and before bed, dividing the remaining doses throughout the day.
NSAIDs like Advil or ibuprofen should be used with Tylenol as the pain relief strategy. Narcotics should be reserved for breakthrough pain. Surgical pain typically subsides within 24-48 hours. Symptoms like ear pain, swallowing difficulty, jaw opening issues, or a sore throat after general anaesthesia are normal within the first week. If pain persists despite medication, contact the team for assessment.
Proper nutrition is vital for healing after surgery. Start eating after removing the gauze, but avoid it while the anesthetic is active. Consume smooth-textured foods and drinks, avoiding straws. Transition to mashed foods for 3-5 days. Avoid crunchy foods, hot foods, and straws for 24 hours. Resume a normal diet when comfortable. No alcohol for 2 days. Nausea should subside within hours, but contact us if it persists.
Post-surgery, expect bruising on the face, jaws, neck, and chest, which will fade over time. Apply moist warm compresses to accelerate healing.
Swelling is common after surgery and peaks on day 3 before gradually reducing over 2-3 days. Apply ice packs or frozen vegetable bags for 15 minutes post-surgery to minimize swelling, avoiding direct plastic contact with the skin. Steroids or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, ketorolac, or naproxen may be prescribed to reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
Stitches are often used in surgical areas, and most of them are dissolvable. They typically dissolve within 5-10 days after surgery. If they take longer, rinsing will keep them moist. If a stitch falls out early and there is no bleeding, no action is needed. Maintain hygiene practices and mouthwashes. If a stitch is bothersome, do not pull it. Use clean scissors to trim it or contact our team for assistance.
Do not smoke for 7 days after surgery to promote healing and reduce pain. Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing and brushing the surgical site for 24 hours. Gentle tooth brushing can resume the day after surgery, avoiding the surgical areas initially. The night of oral surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. Start using mouthwashes the morning after surgery, such as warm salt water solution or prescribed mouthwash. Rinse over the surgical area for 30 seconds twice a day. If provided, use the syringe to flush extraction sites with warm salt water from day 4 after surgery to prevent food trapping.
After surgery under sedation or general anesthesia, rest at home and avoid operating machinery for 24 hours. You may feel light-headed or weak, so gradually resume light activities as tolerated. Refrain from strenuous activity for 3-5 days to stay comfortable and reduce swelling and bleeding risks.
If prescribed antibiotics after your surgery, follow the instructions and complete the full course. Watch for signs of infection such as swelling, jaw stiffness, pain, foul taste, discharge, or fever. If any of these symptoms occur, contact our team for assessment.
As discussed during the preoperative consultation, it is important to avoid using partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures immediately after the surgery and for a minimum of ten days.
