Post-Op Instruction

Keep the tongue and fingers away from the area(s) of surgery. Follow the instructions listed below.

Medication

Pain medication should be taken before numbness from the local anesthesia wears off. DO NOT drive or operate machinery while taking pain medication. Take ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATION as prescribed until completed.

Swelling

For the first 24 hours apply COLD PACKS to the affected area of your face in 20-minute intervals (20 Minutes on / 20 Minutes off). You will probably experience some swelling. After the first day you may apply hot packs to the affected area, also at 20-minute intervals. The third day is the peak for swelling after most surgeries. Swelling can last for a period of 5-10 days.

Rinsing

DO NOT RINSE OR SPIT for the first 24 hours after surgery. The day after surgery you may rinse lightly with warm salt water. This will help with any soreness or swelling that may occur.
RINSE WITH CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTH RINSE TWICE DAILY FOR 10 DAYS.

Bleeding

It is normal to have slight bleeding for the first 2-3 days. Your blood and saliva mixture will have a pink tint. This is considered normal. If profuse bleeding occurs, bite down on a folded 2×2 gauze or apply a wet tea bag over the surgery site.

Things to avoid

No smoking, carbonated drinks, alcohol, sipping through a straw, spitting, stooping, or lifting. Any of these actions can cause bleeding and delay in the healing process; which could affect the outcome of your treatment. Brush all teeth EXCEPT those adjacent to the implant area unless specified by the Doctor. DO NOT brush the implant, stretch or pull the lip away from the surgical site. DO NOT disturb stitches in any way for up to one (1) week.