Aftercare Instructions for Dental Implant Surgery

Protect the Surgical Area

Keep your fingers and tongue away from the surgical area to avoid disturbing the healing process.

Apply Ice

Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 4 hours. Apply ice for 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Pain Management

  • For mild discomfort, take Tylenol or ibuprofen every 3-4 hours.
  • For severe pain, use the prescription provided by your dentist.

Diet

Stick to a soft food diet. Avoid foods that can disrupt the healing process, such as seeds, nuts, rice, and popcorn.

Bleeding

Some bleeding is normal after surgery. Place gauze on the surgical area and apply pressure for about 90 minutes. If bleeding persists, contact our office.

Rinse with Medicated Rinse

Use the medicated rinse provided to you twice a day as directed. Do not use the rinse for longer than 2 weeks.

When to Call Us

If you experience any of the following, contact our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Severe pain
  • Difficulty opening your mouth

Follow-Up Appointment

You are scheduled to return in one to two weeks for a postoperative visit. This appointment is essential to ensure that healing is progressing well and to remove sutures. In the meantime, maintain a healthy diet, follow all instructions, and reach out to our office with any questions or concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the office.

FAQ

Dental implants are very similar to tooth roots made from titanium surgically placed into the jawbone. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a stable and durable base for the replacement tooth.

The dental implant process typically takes several months from start to finish. After the initial placement of the implant, it usually takes 3-6 months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. Once healing is complete, the abutment and crown are placed. The entire process can vary depending on individual healing times and whether any additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are necessary.

Most adults in good health with adequate bone density are good candidates for dental implants. However, certain conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, or a history of radiation therapy to the jaw, may affect the success of implants. A thorough evaluation by your dentist, including a review of your medical history and a 3D imaging of your jaw, will determine if you are a suitable candidate.

Yes, dental implants are a safe and well-established procedure. They have a high success rate of around 95-98% and can last a lifetime with proper care. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like smoking can help ensure the longevity of your implants.

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional tooth replacement options. One significant benefit is that implants can support dentures, making them more stable and comfortable. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone, providing a secure fit that prevents the dentures from slipping or moving. This allows for better chewing, speaking, and overall comfort compared to conventional dentures that rest on the gums. Implant-supported dentures also help preserve the jawbone by stimulating bone growth, reducing the bone loss that typically occurs with traditional dentures. This option can be especially beneficial for patients seeking a more permanent and reliable solution for missing teeth.

If you experience severe pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or excessive bleeding after your surgery, it’s important to contact our office immediately. We may need to provide additional treatment or give you further instructions to ensure proper healing.

Use the medicated rinse prescribed by your dentist twice a day to help keep the surgical area clean and free from infection. Do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using the rinse. Do not use the rinse longer than 2 weeks. Following this routine is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring the implant heals properly.

It will take 3-6 months for the bone to heal before we can begin the restorative process. We will likely see you routinely for brief follow-up appointments over the next few months to monitor your healing. Towards the end of your healing journey, we will take another CBCT image of the area and begin the next steps in the restorative process. This will include getting the area numb with a local anesthetic, then the doctor will uncover the top of the implant using a laser and impressions will be taken. Then you may leave with a “healing cap” for 1-2 weeks to prevent the gums from healing over the top of the implant. Once your crown or bridge is fabricated by our dental lab, the healing cap is removed and replaced with a prefabricated abutment and your crown or bridge on top.

Progressive Dental
Smile Plan

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Make your smile a
priority today

Progressive Dental
Smile Plan

Learn More

Make your smile a
priority today