FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY:
Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.
Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.
Do not smoke for at least a week after surgery: smoking can increase the chances of
an infection.
Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area. Spitting, the use of a straw,
smoking, and poking can dislodge the blood clot that is forming, and will cause
bleeding from the area.
BLEEDING:
Some minor bleeding is expected after implant surgery. It will usually subside
quickly, and stop within an hour or two after surgery. A little oozing is normal and
may persist for several hours. Also, upper implants may occasionally trigger some
bleeding from the nose. This is normal and will stop quickly.
Keep gauze on the surgical area with some pressure for 30 to 45 minutes.
Remove the gauze after 30 to 45 minutes, and replace it with a new piece of gauze if
you are still bleeding. It is important to make sure the gauze is directly on the
surgical site. Firm pressure for another hour should stop the bleeding.
If you find that this is not working after your third attempt, use a moistened tea bag
instead of the gauze. The tannic acid in tea will help to form a clot, and stop the
bleeding.
SWELLING:
Most patients will experience some swelling after surgery in the mouth. It may be
mild or severe, and is different for every patient. The swelling will get bigger for the
first 48 to 72 hours before it starts to go away. It may last for several days to one
week. Some bruising may also develop on the face.
Use an ice pack on the cheek or face next to the surgical site. Keep it on for 15 to 20
minutes, then off for 10 minutes, and repeat until you go to sleep. Start again the
next day.
Sleep with your head elevated slightly, above the heart. This will keep swelling
down.
On the third day, change to moist heat instead of ice packs. This will bring the
swelling down quicker.
EATING:
You may eat soft foods as soon as the anesthetic wears off. Try not to chew directly
on the surgical site. You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel up to it. Please
stay well nourished, and well hydrated, you will heal faster.
BRUSHING:
You may brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical area, either tonight, or tomorrow
morning. Be gentle, and do not spit or rinse forcefully. Start brushing the surgical
area on the second day, and be very gentle on the stitches.
RINSING:
You may start rinsing gently tomorrow, with some warm salty water every few
hours. Do not use alcohol-containing mouthrinses for a few days.
MEDICATIONS:
Take all prescribed medications as directed with a full glass of water. Call us if you
experience severe nausea, or diarrhea, or cannot swallow your pills.
Antibiotics: Continue until the bottle is empty. Do not quit halfway.
Pain Medicine: Continue as necessary. Remember that narcotics can make you
drowsy, so no driving, operating machinery, or alcoholic beverages while you are
taking them.
Mouth rinse (Peridex or Periogard)if recommended: Swish with one-half ounce for
thirty seconds, and spit it out, two times per day.
Please follow these instructions as closely as possible. They are designed to
help you heal quickly and comfortably.
I acknowledge that the post-procedural instructions were given to:
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