Placing a dental implant requires surgery, and therefore you must carefully follow certain pre- and post-operative directions to enjoy success. Neglecting to heed these instructions can prolong the length of your recovery or even cause your implant to fail altogether. If you have questions about any of the following requests, please let us know so we can offer clarification.
Pre-Op Instructions
Quit smoking as soon as possible. Tobacco use greatly increases your risk for implant failure by contributing to gum disease and subsequent infection of the implant site. Because smoking reduces your blood oxygen level, it can prolong the length of your recovery by depleting your healing ability. We ask that you abstain from drinking alcohol the week of your surgery. By impairing your blood-clotting function, alcohol use can lead to complications with bleeding.
We also ask that you provide us with a comprehensive list of medications, vitamins, and supplements you take regularly. This allows us to identify potential surgery risks associated with your daily regimen. Continue to take all medications as directed on the morning of your procedure and enjoy a full meal.
Because the effects of sedatives used during surgery can last for multiple hours, we encourage arranging a ride to and from our office. It will not be safe for you to operate a vehicle directly following treatment.
Post-Op Instructions
To protect your implant site and encourage recovery, it is important to maintain the blood clot that forms. Avoid rinsing your mouth for two days after surgery, and do not physically disturb the site with your fingers or tongue. Avoid any suction activities, such as using a straw or smoking.
To treat swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 15 minutes. Remove the pack for an additional 15 minutes and continue the cycle as desired the day of your surgery. We typically expect this symptom to subside after a week.
You may experience a bit of bleeding in the 24 hours after your procedure. You can minimize it by placing gauze on the site until it stops. If you cannot get your bleeding under control, call our office right away. Remember not to rinse the site and risk disturbing your clot.
With any surgery, there is a possibility of infection. While this does not happen in many cases, we can provide antibiotics if we determine you are at higher risk. Make sure to take all medication as prescribed until it is finished.
Following a safe diet is critical to protecting your mouth after surgery. Begin with simple, clear liquids and advance slowly to soft foods you can tolerate. This could include gelatin, applesauce, eggs, and mashed potatoes. Use discretion and avoid anything hard or sharp such as chips, popcorn, seeds, or nuts for at least two weeks.
Call Your Shrewsbury, MA Dentist If You Have Questions About Recovering From Dental Implants
When placing dental implants, we hope to see you recover as easily as possible. If you have an emergency or experience bleeding you cannot control outside of our office hours, contact 911 or head to the emergency room of your nearest hospital. Otherwise, call Modern Dentistry Of Shrewsbury at 508-842-8838 to help you follow instructions before and after your surgery.
