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Instruction to Dentist
Dental implants are now the most popular treatment modality for replacement of missing teeth. Although the dentist may achieve a good primary stability at the placement surgery, loading the implant with a permanent prosthesis depends heavily on a good secondary stability i.e osseointegration. Undisturbed healing not only keeps the patient comfortable post surgery, but is also crucial for the long term success of the dental implant and prosthesis.
The first 3 weeks after surgery are crucial. Complete healing of the bone around the implants takes 3–6 months. It should be reinforced to the patient that following post-surgery instructions is very important to avoid any unnecessary pain and complication.
An instruction sheet for dental patients after implant placement has been prepared. The dentist may share the link of this article or hand out a print of this sheet to their patients from here on. Don’t forget to give credits to DentalReach!
Home Care Instructions After Dental Implant Placement
Congratulations on choosing the most advanced treatment for tooth replacement! Remember that following post-surgery instructions given below is very important to avoid any unnecessary pain and complication.
FOR THE FIRST 48 HOURS AFTER IMPLANT PLACEMENT: a.DO NOT vigorously rinse your mouth or spit, as this may rinse away the blood clot. b.DO NOT use drinking straws. c.DO NOT smoke. d.DO NOT disturb the implant site with tongue or fingers.
Bleeding After Dental Implant Placement
There can be slight bleeding or redness in the saliva which is normal for a day.
The dentist may place a pressure pack (gauze pad) over the implant site post surgery, which is to be kept in place for around 45 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, keep a fresh pressure pack pressed and bite firmly for another 45 minutes. In case of excessive bleeding, contact your dentist immediately.
Swelling after implant surgery is normal, especially when additional procedures are carried out e.g. Tooth Extraction, Bone Grafting, Ridge Split, Sinus Lift etc.
•Immediately after surgery, apply ice packs externally on the implant site. Ice packs should be placed intermittently (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for up to 12-24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.
•Swelling may increase for 72 hours and then start decreasing. If swelling does not subside after 72 hours, please contact your dentist.
Pain After Dental Implant Surgery
It is normal to experience some amount of discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. Take the prescribed medications and pain killers as advised.
•Ideally, medication should be taken before the effect of anesthesia wear off.
•If you are allergic to any medications, inform your dentist.
•Pain following surgery should start subsiding after 72 hours. If pain persists or does not decrease, please contact your dentist.
Diet After Dental Implant Placement
After the surgical procedure, cold and soft diet is advised. Avoid hot, hard, or spicy food.
•Dietary suggestions: Milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, khichdi, dalia, halwa, idli, upma, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, bread with cold milk/tea.
•DO NOT eat popcorn, peanuts, seeds, nuts, chips, sticky foods or sweets for at least 2 weeks after surgery to prevent infection in the surgical site from impacted food debris.
•Take fluids at regular intervals and keep yourself hydrated, but do not use a straw.
•Avoid chewing at the implant site.
•If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits (and sugar levels) as much as possible.
•Do not smoke or drink alcohol. Smoking & Alcohol Consumption is strictly prohibited after dental implant surgery as it may increase the risk of infection after dental implant surgery.
Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene maintenance is very important to avoid infection and promote healing.
•Do not rinse your mouth for 48 hours. After 48 hours, you should start rinsing softly at least 3 to 4 times a day, especially after meals, with warm saline water or a medicated mouth wash as prescribe by your dentist.
•Gentle manual brushing should be resumed a day after surgery with a soft brush.
•Avoid using electric/sonic toothbrushes or water flossers for 4 weeks after implant placement to avoid irritating sensitive healing tissues. However, they are an excellent way of maintaining oral hygiene around implants after complete healing, as the vibrations provide good stimulation to the gums.
•After complete healing, patients with adjacent multiple implants may need to use a floss threader. It is a specialized type of floss that comes with a built-in threader designed for cleaning around a fixed bridge.
Physical Activity After Dental Implant Procedure
Physical activities should be kept minimal immediately after dental implant surgery.
•DO NOT lie flat during resting. Elevate your head with a pillow to minimize bleeding.
•Avoid opening the mouth or talking when the pressure pack is in place.
•Avoid moderate to heavy exercises (bending, running, weight lifting) for 72 hours and allow the body to heal up from surgical stresses.
•Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machinery.
•If you had a sinus lift procedure, avoid blowing your nose forcefully for at least a month. To sneeze, do so with your mouth open to relieve pressure.
Wearing Your Prosthesis (If Any) After Dental Implant Surgery
•Immediate use of flippers and dentures should be avoided and should be worn after primary healing of the implant site is complete. If necessary, wear only during meal times and social events.
•If conditions are favourable, we can provide an immediate temporary cap can be given within a day or two.
Follow -Up
Please report for a post-operative check-up and/or suture removal, as advised by the doctor.
WE WISH YOU A SMOOTH & PLEASANT RECOVERY!
