Post Operative Instructions for an Implant Procedure

1. BLEEDING: Bite on a gauze pad for ONE HOUR then discard. EXPECT SOME
OOZING FROM THE SURGICAL SITE FOR 24-48 HOURS. If bleeding
continues, fold gauze tightly, place over bleeding area and maintain firm biting or
finger pressure for 30 minutes. A wet tea bag, (run under cold water and wrap in gauze) is an excellent
substitute for a gauze pack. Avoid frequent pack changes, rinsing or physical exertion
until bleeding has ceased.
 
2. RINSING: Starting today, rinse gently every three to four hours using warm water. Starting tomorrow you may star t rinsing with salt water.  AVOID VIGOROUS RINSING-DO NOT BALLOON YOUR CHEEK WHEN RINSING. Do not brush the teeth in the area of surgical site(s). Continue with salt water rinses
until your doctor instructs otherwise.
 
3. DIET: No eating or drinking for one hour after surgery if surgery done under IV
anesthesia. STAY ON A FULL LIQUID / SOFT DIET (NO CHEWING) UNTIL
INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE BY YOUR DOCTOR. If you eat any solid food you
will jeopardize the final result. It is important that you drink at least 2 quarts of fluid
per day. Liquid supplements, (Meritene, Nutrament, etc.) are available at your
pharmacy, and baby food sources for those few days, if needed. Two weeks of
uneventful healing are required for best success.
 
4. NO SMOKING OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES for two weeks.
 
5. ANESTHESIA: Patients who have received an I.V. sedation should:
    A. NOT drive a vehicle or operate any machinery with in the same day of surgery.
    B. NOT undertake any responsible business matters within the same day of surgery.
    C. NOT drink any alcohol on the day of surgery.
    D. NOT take any medication without approval.
 
6. PAIN: Pain is to be expected and may be severe for the first few hours.
  • Take the prescribed medication before the anesthetic wears off and the pain becomes evident, (usually one hour following the procedure).
  • Approximately 45 minutes should be allowed for you to become aware of the effect of the pain medication. If dizziness or weakness is experienced you should lie down.
  • If you have any reactions to any prescribed medications, stop immediately and call the office. 

7. SWELLING: Swelling is to be expected and may reach it’s maximum up to three days after surgery, but it is no cause for alarm. Swelling may be reduced by:

  • Applying an ice pack to the operated area 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as possible during the first 48 hours. After 48 hours substitute a hot water bottle or hot towel in the same manner until swelling has receded. CHECK THE TEMPERATURE OF THE HOT PACK ON YOUR FACE, IN ORDER NOT TO BURN YOURSELF.
  • Keep your head slightly elevated when lying down.(i.e. extra pillow or two

8. BRUISING: may occur, especially at the chin area. Sometimes the bruise is a deep purple.

  • The bruise, if it occurs, can take up to 3 weeks to disappear. This should not be cause for alarm and should start to disappear within 10 days. You may have a slight earache or sore throat. Should this become worse after several days, call the office.

9. OCCASIONALLY following oral surgery, unrelated complications may occur (tonsillitis, flu or cold). This is due to the fact that the patient’s resistance may be low prior to and is wise to avoid crowds, drafts and get as much rest as possible. EVEN IF YOU FEEL WELL AND STRONG, DO NOT WORKOUT OR PERFORM AEROBIC EXERCISES UNTIL YOUR DOCTOR ALLOWS YOU TO.

10. NAUSEA  rarely occurs but may be avoided by taking pain medication with a glass of milk. If nausea is severe, stop taking the prescribed medication.

11. ANTIBIOTICS (Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Clindamycin, etc.): YOU MUST TAKE THESE ANTIBIOTICS AS PRESCRIBED and for the exact length of time indicated on the bottle. Antibiotic medication may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, patients taking birth control pills who have been prescribed antibiotics should use an additional method of contraception during the remainder of the contraceptive cycle.

12. DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE AND AVOID SNEEZING IF SURGERY WAS IN THE AREA OF THE SINUS. Follow the sinus precaution instructions given by the doctor or assistant.

13. STITCHES are dis-solvable within 7-10 days or can be removed on second post operative visit if still present. There is no concern if some are still present in the second week following surgery.

14. WEARING YOUR PROSTHESIS: Full dentures, partial dentures or flippers should NOT be worn at any time following surgery. DO NOT USE THESE APPLIANCES UNTIL THE DOCTOR ALLOWS YOU TO. YOU MAY SERIOUSLY DAMAGE THE SURGICAL AREA.

15. TIGHTNESS of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening the mouth. This should disappear within 3 days. Application of a warm towel may be of some benefit.

16.  LIPS  should be kept moist with a cream or Vaseline following surgery to avoid cracking.

17. ACTIVITY: NO physical activities  immediately following surgery for up to one week, unless discussed with doctor.

IF ANY UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS OCCUR OR YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR PROGRESS. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESCRIPTIONS IMPLANTS/SINUS LIFTS

Amoxicillin Pre-Med-
  • Take four (4) capsules one (1) hour prior to surgical procedure.
  • When under General Anesthesia you are to take four (4) capsules two (2) hours prior to surgical procedure with just enough water to get the medication.
Amoxicillin 500mg- Take one (1) capsule four (4) times a day till gone for the FIRST week.
  
Doxycycline 100mg– Take one (1) capsule two (2) times a day till gone for the SECOND week.
                        (Warning – Must be taken with food and two – three liters of water in that day.)
 
Tylenol with Codeine / Vicodin – Take one (1) or two (2) capsules every four (4) to six (6) hours as
         needed for pain.  
           
Printable Version Post Operative Instructions for an Implant Procedure