To help you recover quickly and avoid complications in your healing process following implant placement, our dentist and team recommend that you follow your post-op care instructions as closely as possible.
- Do not rinse your mouth for the rest of the day after your procedure.
- On the day following your procedure, begin rinsing with warm saltwater every two to three hours. (Use a half-teaspoon of salt per eight ounces of water). Do this for several days. Then rinse after meals and at bedtime for two weeks.
- Use prescribed medications, antibiotics and mouthrinses as directed.
- Use mild pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Advil or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
- You may begin brushing your teeth the day after your procedure, but be sure to avoid the surgical site for several days.
- If a temporary crown was placed, do not bite down until given permission to do so.
- Do not wear your denture, partial denture or other oral appliance until given permission to do so.
- You will likely experience some swelling. Apply ice or cold compresses to the side of your face at 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, switch to heat instead, and continue applying heat until the swelling diminishes.
- Keep your lips moist with lip balm or Vaseline to prevent cracking.
- Do not operate machinery for at least 12 hours following your procedure.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products — they can cause your implants to fail.
- If the cover screw or healing abutment of your implant falls out, call our office so that we can replace it. Bring the loosened component with you to this appointment.
- If you use oral contraceptives and have been prescribed an antibiotic, use an alternate method of birth control until you have completed your course of antibiotics.