Dental Implant
Post Operative Care
Oral Hygiene
Week one: Use the prescribed mouthwash twice daily. You may carefully brush other parts of where mouth, but avoid the surgery side.
Week two: Begin your normal oral hygiene routine. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing of all areas, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort. Use extra-soft toothbrush twice a day, avoid where the stitches are. Do not floss the healing site until you get a clearance from your doctor at your review.
Diet
After your surgery, have food that can be eaten comfortably. Avoid extremely hot foods and liquid. We recommend that you only consume soft foods (eg pasta, fish, soups) during the first week to avoid food particles contaminating the wound. Avoid eating sharp or thin chips, popcorn, or any other food that has small seeds or husks.
After each meal on day 2, the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with warm saline salation (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) or mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (eg. Savacol available at your local pharmacy or your prescribed mouthwash.)
Avoid applying pressure or eating on the surgical site while healing, for approximately 2-3 weeks.
Managing Bleeding
Bite down softly on the gauze, making sure they remain in place. Hold the gauze in place for 30-40 minutes if there is continual bleeding. Bleeding should never be severe. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call us.
Managing Swelling (<3 days)
We recommend covered ice packs or a cold compress applied for a period of half hour to the face over the surgery site to reduce any chance of swelling resulting from the surgery. We suggest that you apply 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. If possible, elevate the head with an extra pillow during the first 2 nights after surgery to reduce swelling.
Managing Bruising (3-7 days)
If bruising persists, we recommend Arnica available at the chemist to help reduce bruising. Bruising will subside in around 5-7 days.
Managing Pain
The length of time you experience numbness varies, depending on the type of anaesthetic you’ve received. While your mouth is numb you’ll want to be careful not to bite on your cheek, lip or tongue. The numbness should subside within a few hours. Tablets for pain relief should be taken as necessary and according to instructions. If pain persists for over 5 days, please call us.
Managing Infection
The mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with warm saline solution or mouthwash containing chlorhexidine after each meal to reduce the chance of infection. Place the solution in your mouth and gently rotate your head from side to side. Please do not swish aggressively. It is essential that you complete the course of antibiotics prescribed.
Antibiotics
The mouth has bacteria and postoperative infection may occur occasionally. You may have been prescribed antibiotics depending on the type of surgery undertaken. These should be taken with food as directed and no alcohol should be consumed during this period (usually one to two weeks.)
Prolonged Numbness
Rarely, you may experience numbness in the lip, tongue, cheek, gum or teeth for longer than 4 hours after surgery. This is normally temporary and rarely permanent. You should contact us if you are still numb after 24 hours.
Healing
After an implant placement, a blood clot forms in the surgical area. This is an important part of the normal healing process. You should therefore avoid activities that might disturb the surgical area. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers.
Do not smoke or drink through a straw for 72 hours following your surgery. These activities create suction in the mouth, which could dislodge the clot and delay healing.
Avoid strenuous activity for the first 72 hours after your procedure. This will reduce bleeding and help the blood clot to form.
Limited Activity
If you have had any sinus treatment please do not snorkel, free dive, scuba dive or blow your nose for at least 2 weeks or until you get clearance from your doctor at your review.
Dentures or temporary tooth
Your temporary tooth will be refitted as soon as possible after the implant surgery. If you notice the denture or retainer is too tight or pressing against your stitches or gum, please contact us to have it adjusted.
Breaking Your Provisional Bridge
If your temporary bridge breaks, please call us and we will repair it immediately. The turn around time for this is roughly 1 week.
If you are in a situation that will not allow you to come in, you can use a tiny amount of super glue to stick it back in place till we see you. Make sure that the glue does not come in contact with any tissues, and that you should not ingest any of this material.
Dry, Cracked Lips
We recommend applying Vaseline or lanolin to the lips for the first two days to prevent lips from drying or cracking.
Contact Us
If you are concerned over any matter regarding the surgery or recovery, please call us at 02 9319 7444, whatsapp or text us at 0476 599 994 or email us at info@surryhillsdentalcentre.com.au
Your treatment doesn’t end when you leave the clinic - aftercare is an important part of your smile journey too. We’ve prepared simple aftercare guides for each treatment, including Oral Surgery, Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Kois Deprogrammer and Dental Implants, to help you care for your teeth and mouth after your visit. If you experience discomfort or have any concerns, please contact us right away - our team is here to help.
Disclaimer: These guides are for general reference only and do not replace the specific advice given by your dentist or doctor. Please follow their instructions carefully, and contact the clinic if you are unsure about anything.
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