What to Expect After Your Dental Implants
After your dental implant surgery in San Diego, California, it is normal to experience some discomfort, bleeding, bruising or swelling. By following the tips and directions from our dentists at Coastal Dental Arts, you can help your recovery proceed without much worry.
Discomfort
Before the numbness wears off after your surgery, you may take two tablets of over-the-counter Advil, Motrin or Tylenol. Do not take Aspirin. Once the numbness has worn off, you may take two tablets of the previously mentioned medications (not Aspirin) every six hours as needed to control the pain. If needed, you may take pain medication every three hours if you alternate between Advil and Tylenol. Pain medications should not be taken on an empty stomach.
Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication, if prescribed, should be taken as directed. If you are prescribed any pain medication, is should be taken only as needed for severe discomfort. Stop taking the pain medication when it is no longer needed or a few days after surgery. Get rid of any remaining pain medication once you have stopped using it.
Bleeding
If you notice some blood coloring your saliva after your operation, this is normal. If you notice blood starting to ooze around the surgery site, you can help reduce it by keeping ice water held over the affected area for a few minutes. Do not rinse the area.
Bleeding can be minimized if you rest upright in a chair and avoid any strenuous activity. If bleeding continues, you can take two folded gauze pads or moistened tea bags and place one pad or bag on each side of the surgical site (one on next to your tongue, the other next to your cheek). Press the pads or bags firmly with your index finger and thumb for 20 minutes and repeat as needed. If you still experience bleeding, please call Dr. David Chotiner.
Swelling
Post-surgery swelling will be greatest for the first 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. You can help reduce the swelling by taking an ice pack and placing it on the side of your face for 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off. Repeating this pattern for the first six hours after your procedure. These ice compresses can be used for up to 48 hours, if needed.
Elevate your head (if possible) for the first two nights after surgery. You can do this by using an extra pillow or a blanket to lift your head.
Take any prescribed steroid medications as directed. Always complete the prescription as instructed.
Diet
After your procedure, try to consume only fluids or soft foods and avoid hot foods for the first 24 hours. Acceptable foods include yogurt, ice cream, eggs, cool soups and pasta. For the next few days, drink at least eight large glasses of water or juice daily. Juices high in vitamin C, such as tomato and orange juices, are great choices.
Consuming nutritious, well-balanced meals can aid your recovery by helping you feel less stress and pain. Avoid smoking and alcohol while recovering.
Oral Hygiene
While it is always important to keep your teeth clean, it is especially important after oral surgery. Continue brushing the unaffected areas of your mouth as normal but use especially gentle care when brushing the teeth in the surgery site.
After the first day, the affected area should be rinsed with warm saltwater about three times a day (after every meal). You can create the saltwater solution by combining one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Continue the saltwater rinses for one week or until the area is fully healed. You may be given a prescription rinse to help you in the healing process.
Activity
After your surgery, please relax for the rest of the day to aid your healing. During the first 48 hours after the surgery, it is best to avoid significant physical activity and exercise.
If you experience any issues or if you have any questions, please call us at 619-858-8080.