In order to prevent complications from surgery, and to promote quick recovery after an implant procedure, Ocean Dental has provided the following guidelines:
- Following the implant procedure, avoid rinsing your mouth during the first 24 hours.
- After the first 24 hours, rinse the site with warm salt water every 2-3 hours. (This saltwater rinse can be made by mixing a half-teaspoon of salt with 8 oz. water.) Repeat for two days. Afterwards, for the next 2 weeks, you may rinse only before bed and after meals.
*If you are prescribed a mouth rinse, please use only as directed.
- Tylenol, Advil, or Ibuprofen, and other mild over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to relieve pain resulting from the procedure.
*If you are prescribed medication, please use only as directed.
- When brushing, avoid contact with the surgical site for at least a few days.
- If your implant is covered with a temporary crown, biting may cause your implant to fall out. Avoid biting down until your dentist tells you that you may do so.
- If you wear partial or full dentures, do not wear them until your dentist gives you permission.
- For several days following your procedure, maintain a soft diet. Resume a regular diet when you feel comfortable.
- Apply ice to your jaw and cheeks for 15-minute intervals during the first two days to minimize swelling. After this period apply heat instead, until the swelling has gone down.
- If the healing abutment or cover screw falls out or becomes loose, our office can replace the it. Please bring any hardware with you to your appointment.
- To prevent chapped or cracked lips, apply Vaseline or a lip balm regularly.
- Smoking and tobacco goods can result in a failed implant. Avoid using these products.
- For at least 12 hours following your surgery, do not drive or operate large machinery.
If a patient is prescribed both oral contraceptives and antibiotics, they should use an alternative birth control for the remainder of the cycle.
Ocean Dental uses stitches that dissolve. This should happen after the first week and before the third week, depending on what stitches your dentist uses.
Please let your dentist know about any odd or additional symptoms you experience. For more information about your post-operative care, please contact us at 562-866-6914 or schedule an appointment with our dentist at our Bellflower, California, office.
