After Dental Implants

What Can You Expect?

• You can expect a limited amount of bleeding from the surgical sites after surgery.
• Postoperative pain can range from discomfort to moderate pain. Although a degree of pain is normally to be expected after implant surgery, most patients find Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen to be adequate to manage any pain they may have. All necessary prescriptions will be given to you in advance. Within 3-5 days after surgery there is usually little need for any medication at all. 
• There is likely to be swelling of the lip / cheek which will only peak 24 hours after surgery; it can be minimized by applying ice packs to the lip for the afternoon after surgery.
• Bruising is not an uncommon finding after implant surgery.
• The sutures used in the front part of the upper jaw are not dissolvable and need to be removed after 14 days.

Post-Operative Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

Post-operative care after dental implant surgery is important. If followed carefully, it may minimize side effects and prevent complications.

Immediately Following Surgery

Post-operative care is important. If followed carefully, it may minimize side effects and prevent complications.

• Avoid hot food and drinks as it may cause bleeding during the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Mouth rinsing during the first 24 hours after surgery should be avoided. This may dislodge the blood clot and initiate bleeding.
• The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be left in place for half an hour. After this time, the gauze pad should be removed and discarded.
• Place ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed.
• Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This will usually coincide with the local anesthetic wearing off.  It is good practice to stay on top of pain by taking your painkillers regularly (i.e. 6-hourly) for the first 2-3 days.  We prefer to prevent pain rather than treat pain.
• If you have been placed on antibiotics, start taking it as soon as you have had something to eat.  Do not take antibiotics on an empty tummy. 
• Do not drive a vehicle.  Doing so could lead to charges of driving under the influence of drugs.  This means a responsible person will need to take you home. It is fine to use a taxi, but you must still have a responsible person to accompany you. Travelling alone after sedation is not appropriate.
• After arriving home, sit down and keep your head elevated for the first 6 hours after surgery.  Avoid lying down flat as this may cause bleeding and an increase in swelling.
• A soft, bland diet is recommended at first, but you may resume your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable chewing. It is advised that you avoid sharp food items like crackers and chips, as they will irritate the surgical site if they jab the wound during initial healing. 

The first 24 hours after surgery

• Do not drink any alcohol (including beer), as this will cause bleeding and may adversely interact with the medication you are taking.
• Do not make important decisions, such as sign important documents
• Do not operate machinery or drive a vehicle. 
• You may be sleepy and forgetful for some hours and may experience periods when you feel “normal” and others when you feel tired.  This is a common reaction and may last for 24 hours after surgery
• Do not smoke for as long as possible following surgery, as it slows down wound healing and makes you more susceptible to infection.
• Mr. Erasmus will see you 14 days after surgery to remove the sutures, evaluate the healing process and make sure you are maintaining good oral hygiene. 

Please read a full description of possible side effects after dental implant surgery.

Remember to come along to your Post-Op Check Appointment. You will have been told the date.
If you have any problems before then, please contact us:
Office: 03 3551155 or Jason Erasmus: 021 873 783