Home
Post Operative Instructions

Post Operative Instructions

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions after your surgery to promote proper healing.
Post Operative Instructions Hero Image

Promoting Proper Healing

Your recovery period following the procedure is essential to the overall success of your surgery. If possible, you should try to avoid disturbing the surgical site, particularly if a blood clot needs to form. If you experience discomfort, you can use cold and hot compresses and take over-the-counter pain medications. We recommend that you take it easy for the first few days after surgery, drink plenty of water, and eat nutritious, soft foods to support your recovery. During your visit to Keys Dental Specialists, we will thoroughly explain your post-operative instructions to make sure you are comfortable with the healing process before the treatment begins.

Ensuring Proper Healing

Dental Implant Placement Healing

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing or spitting. Refrain from touching the wound on the day of the surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue. Try not to disturb it.

Bleeding

Frequently Asked Questions Arrow

Minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours after your surgery. If you experience more excessive bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad placed over the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if you have prolonged bleeding or bleeding that cannot be controlled. Our emergency dental technicians can see you right away.

Swelling

Frequently Asked Questions Arrow

It is perfectly normal to experience minor swelling immediately after surgery, and this may persist for a few days. To reduce swelling, you can hold an ice pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel against your cheek. It is best to apply this ice as often as possible for the first 36 hours after surgery.

Pain

Frequently Asked Questions Arrow

If you experience any discomfort after the local anesthetic wears off, you can take pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). However, it's important to follow the instructions for the number of doses you can take in a given period and to refrain from mixing certain medications. If you've been prescribed medication, make sure to take it only as instructed. If you experience severe or persistent pain, please contact our office immediately.

Antibiotics

Frequently Asked Questions Arrow

If you have been prescribed antibiotics, it is important to take them exactly as instructed by your doctor until you have completed the full course of medication. Antibiotics are crucial for preventing infection, which is vital for the success of your surgery.

Oral Hygiene

Frequently Asked Questions Arrow

Please use any prescribed mouthwash as directed, usually the night after your surgery before you go to bed. For the next few days, use this mouthwash 1-2 times daily (in the morning and at night) and start rinsing your mouth with warm salt water 4-5 times a day, particularly after eating. This prevents food debris from being trapped by the surgical site, which can potentially cause an infection. You can resume gently brushing your teeth, including the surgical site, with a soft toothbrush after the first 24 hours.

Diet

Frequently Asked Questions Arrow

It is important to drink the recommended amount of water every day and consume nutrient-rich foods to help your body recover from surgery. Avoid consuming hot foods or drinks and chewing foods directly on the implant site. Following surgery, stick to a soft food diet such as protein shakes, yogurt, applesauce, etc. You can resume a normal diet within a few days or as directed by your doctor.

Activity

Frequently Asked Questions Arrow

It's important to avoid exercising or engaging in physical activities that can cause an increase in blood flow. This activity can disturb the surgical site during the first week after your surgery. Additionally, you should avoid activities that may increase the risk of impact or injury to your mouth. If you experience any complications such as bleeding or throbbing at the surgical site during exercise, please stop immediately and contact our office.

Have Questions?

Fill out the form and our team will get back to you within 24 hours. For a faster response, open the chat window or call us at the number below.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.