After Placement of Dental Implants
After Placement of Dental Implants
Caring for the Area
Do not disturb the wound on the day of surgery. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the area.
You will notice a small metal healing abutment sitting through the gum — this is normal.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal for up to 24 hours.
If bleeding is heavy, place a gauze pad directly over the area and bite firmly for 15 minutes.
If bleeding continues, please contact the practice. Significant bleeding after implant surgery is uncommon.
Swelling
Some swelling is normal after implant surgery and is usually at its greatest 48 hours after your procedure.
The swelling will gradually begin to settle after this time and should continue to improve over the following week. Mild swelling or bruising may persist for up to two weeks.
Please contact our practice promptly if your swelling continues to worsen after 48–72 hours, or if you develop a temperature of 38°C or higher, increasing pain that is not controlled with your prescribed medication, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing
Eating and Drinking
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid hot food or drinks while the area is numb to prevent accidental injury.
Stick to soft foods and liquids on the day of surgery.
Return to your normal diet as soon as you are comfortable, unless advised otherwise.
Pain Relief
Start pain relief as soon as possible after surgery (ideally before discomfort begins).
Paracetamol 1g every 6 hours.
Ibuprofen may also be used in conjunction, please take exactly as prescribed by the Surgeon.
For stronger pain, take the prescribed medication (usually Codeine or Tramadol) as directed.
Do not take any medication you are allergic to or have been advised to avoid by your doctor.
Antibiotics
Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed to help prevent infection.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene supports healing.
Begin using the provided oral rinse the day after surgery, twice daily (after breakfast and before bed). Rinse for 1 minute, then spit.
Use warm saltwater rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 4–5 times daily, especially after meals.
You may brush your teeth and the healing abutments — just be gentle around the surgical area.
Activity
Keep physical activity light for the first few days.
Exercise may cause throbbing or bleeding — if this happens, stop and rest.
Reduced food intake can make you feel weaker than usual, so take it easy.
Wearing Dentures
Partial or full dentures can be worn immediately if we have adjusted them.
Before Care:
After Care:
