Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

Proper care after implant placement is important for supporting healing and protecting the surgical area. Follow these dental implant post-op instructions in Hampton Roads carefully, along with any personalized directions provided by your oral surgeon. On the day of surgery, avoid rinsing, spitting, touching, or otherwise disturbing the surgical site.

Bleeding

Do not disturb or touch the surgical area on the day of your procedure. A small amount of bleeding or redness in your saliva is normal during the first 24 hours. To control bleeding, place gauze directly over the incision and maintain firm pressure for 30-60 minutes. If significant bleeding continues despite applying pressure, contact Eastern Virginia OMS for further instructions.

Swelling

Some swelling is expected after dental implant surgery. To help minimize it, apply an ice pack or plastic bag filled with ice chips to the outside of your face over the surgical area. Use the ice for 30 minutes at a time, followed by 30 minutes off, during the first 48-72 hours after your procedure.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during your recovery. Maintain a soft or blenderized diet for approximately five to seven days following surgery. At your initial follow-up appointment, your oral surgeon will evaluate your progress and provide specific recommendations about your diet moving forward.

Pain Control

For severe discomfort, take your prescribed pain medication exactly as directed. Prescription narcotic pain medication may cause drowsiness and slower reflexes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcoholic beverages while taking these medications.

Your surgeon may also recommend Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) for additional or moderate pain relief. Follow the medication schedule and dosage instructions provided by your surgeon. Do not exceed recommended doses or combine medications unless you have been instructed to do so.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics have been prescribed, take them according to your oral surgeon's directions. Completing your medication as instructed can help reduce the risk of infection at the surgical site. Contact the office if you have questions or concerns about your prescription.

Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean is an important part of proper healing. Beginning the day after surgery, use Peridex rinse twice daily, typically once in the early morning and again in the early evening.

Warm salt-water rinses should also be used four to five times throughout the day, particularly after meals. Continue brushing your teeth normally while being careful around the surgical area. Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions for cleaning around the implant site.

Activity

Keep physical activity to a minimum immediately following your procedure. Before surgery, discuss exercise, strenuous activity, and your anticipated return to your normal routine with your oral surgeon. Many patients can resume regular activities relatively quickly, but the appropriate timeline depends on your procedure and individual recovery.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

If you wear a full or partial denture, follow the specific schedule provided by your oral surgeon for wearing it after implant surgery. Your individual instructions will be reviewed with you as part of your immediate post-operative care.

Smoking

Do not smoke for a minimum of one week following dental implant surgery. Smoking can interfere with healing and may negatively affect recovery at the surgical site.

If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, contact Eastern Virginia OMS for guidance and follow any additional instructions provided by the oral surgeon who performed your procedure. Call Virginia Beach at 757-909-5440 or Norfolk at 757-418-8487.