Thank you for trusting our team with your care. Proper post-operative care is essential for healing and comfort. Please read these instructions carefully following your procedure.
What to Expect
- Some pain, bleeding, swelling, and minor seeping are normal after surgery.
- Do not pull on your lip to view the area or probe it with your tongue or fingers.
- If you experience excessive bleeding or discomfort after 48–72 hours, please contact our office.
Pain Management
- You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the label or by our office.
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as instructed.
Swelling Management
- Swelling may increase and peak 3-4 days after surgery.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face near the surgical site:
- 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- Always place a cloth between the ice and your skin
- After 72 hours, switch to moist heat to help reduce swelling.
Oral Hygiene
- Avoid brushing directly over the surgical site.
- Continue brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth as instructed.
- After the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water:
- ½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of water
- Rinse 3 times daily
First 24 Hours – Restrictions
Do not:
- Use a straw
- Brush, rinse, or spit
- Smoke
You may also experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold.
Avoid:
- Hot or spicy foods
- Carbonated or alcoholic beverages
Diet Recommendations
- Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days:
- Soups
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Juice
Activity
- Rest on the day of surgery.
- Resume normal activities the following day as tolerated.
Dentures
- If you wear a denture that overlaps the implant site:
- Minimize use during the first week
- Gradually increase wear time after the first week as healing allows
Follow-Up Care
- Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by our office.
When to Contact Our Office
Call us if you experience:
- Increasing pain or swelling after several days
- Excessive bleeding
- Any concerns about healing