Joseph J. Sansevere, DMD
Oral Surgery
908.806.7060
Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal and not all of these instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office any time for clarification.
Do not disturb the surgical area today. DO NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. DO NOT SMOKE; it is very detrimental to the healing process and the long-term success of your dental implants.
Limit physical activity during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Overexertion may lead to postoperative bleeding and discomfort. When you lie down, keep your head elevated on a pillow.
Expect minor bleeding or oozing from the surgical site. This bleeding/oozing may continue throughout the first day. For the first hour, keep light pressure on the area of surgery by biting on the gauze sponge placed in your mouth at the office. If bleeding persists, slightly moisten and place new gauze sponge and continue pressure for an additional 45 minutes. If bleeding remains active, please call our office.
If a bone graft was placed, it is very important not to disturb the bone graft. Your bone graft is made up of many particles. You may find some small granules in your mouth for the first several days. This is not uncommon. There are some things you could do to minimize the amount of particles that become dislodged.
Often there is some swelling associated with any surgical procedure. Swelling usually develops during the first 12 to 24 hours following surgery, often increasing on the second day. It should begin to subside by the third day. You can minimize the swelling by using a cold pack wrapped in a towel and GENTLY applied to your face adjacent to the surgical area. Place ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off throughout the first day. If you have been prescribed medicine to control swelling, be sure to take it as directed. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, also help decrease swelling.
Placement of dental implants usually does not create a great deal of pain, although oral surgery can be accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You will have a prescription for pain medication. If you take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to manage your discomfort more effectively. If you do not achieve adequate pain relief, you may supplement each pill with an analgesic such as Tylenol or Advil. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals.
Remember that most severe discomfort is usually within the first six to eight hours after the anesthetic wears off; after that your need for medicine should lessen. Please do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive a car or operate any kind of machinery, while taking these prescribed medications.
Nausea is an uncommon event after surgery; it is sometimes caused by stronger pain medications. Preceding each pill with a small amount of soft food and liquids may reduce nausea. Try to keep taking clear fluids and minimize the pain medication. If nausea is persistent please give the office a call.
Avoid chewing hard foods on the implant sites. The force while chewing during the healing phase can decrease the body's ability to heal around the implant. Food selection is largely a matter of your choice. It is recommended that you confine the first week's intake to soft foods, soft and well cooked vegetables, and liquids (creamed soups, puddings, yogurt, milkshakes, eggs, pasta, etc.). Eating a nutritious diet throughout your healing process will help you feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort and heal faster. It's also important to remember that eating can prevent nausea that is sometimes associated with certain medications. Most patients can resume regular food intake within two weeks.
If you had a denture or bridge placed immediately on the implant you must restrict your diet to soft foods for 2-3 months.
If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us, or your physician regarding your insulin schedule. You may need to test your blood sugar more frequently during the first 48 hours post-operatively.
Keeping you mouth clean after surgery is essential. Do not rinse the day of surgery. When you rinse please use ΒΌ teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Please do this 4 to 6 times a day for at least a week. Also please use the prescribed antibiotic rinse (Peridex) twice a day.
Brush you teeth after the first 24 hours with a soft toothbrush. DO NOT avoid brushing the teeth around the implant. Please make every effort to keep your mouth and teeth clean. It is very important to keep the surgical area free of debris and dental plaque.
Sutures were placed to control bleeding and to aid the healing process. The sutures we use are dissolvable. They usually dissolve within one-two weeks. Dr. Sansevere will remove any remaining sutures easily at a later appointment.
Take any special medication such as ANTIBIOTICS as prescribed on the specified dosing schedule. Yogurt with active cultures and/or acidophilus can be taken while on antibiotics to help minimize GI side effects. It is important to take the antibiotics to completion. If you are given antibiotics and take birth control pills, you should be aware that the birth control pill may become ineffective. Therefore, take appropriate precautions.
The removable appliance should remain in your mouth overnight. In the morning, remove your appliance and rinse out your mouth. This should be done for the first three days. It is important that you leave the appliance in your mouth because swelling can occur.
If a denture or a flipper was placed in your mouth, you probably will have to see your restorative dentist to have it adjusted and learn how to remove and replace it appropriately.
Dr. Sansevere and his staff wish you a smooth and pleasant recovery. Following these instructions will assist you. If you have questions about your recovery, please call the office. Please try to call during office hours; calling during office hours will afford a faster response. However, a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with the doctor.
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