After Placement Of Dental Implants

• Do not disturb the wound.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery.
• Do not smoke.
• There may be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

• Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours.
• Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 60 minutes.
• You will be further instructed on the placement of the gauze post operatively.

If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Some swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice at 20 minute intervals for the first 48 hours.

Diet

• Drink plenty of fluids!
• Soft foods and liquids should be eaten following your surgery.
• Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Discomfort

• You should begin taking pain medication as soon as possible, you will be given individual instructions at your surgery.
• Prescriptions are normally given prior to surgery to allow you to get them filled. 
• If you have questions please bring them with you to your surgery.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics are prescribed be sure to take as directed.