Implant Surgery

Generally speaking, dental implant patients should avoid pressure to the operated sites. This may involve not wearing a complete or partial denture until the swelling has subsided and sutures have been removed.

If your implant is in a cosmetically demanding area and a temporary esthetic replacement is required, it will have to be adjusted prior to being worn.

Complete dentures will generally require adjustment and relining with a soft tissue conditioning liner after initial healing has taken place. This may be as long as two weeks after the surgical date.

Smoking is absolutely contraindicated. There is now statistical evidence to show that the success rate of dental implants in a smoking individual is reduced substantially. Even in the short term wound healing problems are greater. Any sucking action may promote bleeding and tissue movement.

Ice is good to minimize swelling and bruising on the first day. It can be applied as regularly as 20 minute intervals off and on. Generally, swelling is not a problem for single implants but can be a problem if multiple implants are placed. There also may be additional swelling if you have had bone grafting to facilitate the placement of implants.

Sutures may or may not be resorbable, and an appointment should be arranged for their removal in 7-10 days. A liquid diet initially followed by a soft non-chewing diet is indicated until after sutures are removed.

Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance. Continue brushing your natural teeth. A chlorhexidine rinse may be prescribed for you to improve hygiene in the wound area and along the suture lines.

Although discomfort is not common, an analgesic will likely be prescribed for you, and frequently antibiotics are also prescribed. Please take this medication as prescribed and contact the office if there are any problems or side effects.

We have a 24-hour answering service and access to a surgeon is around the clock. If you have any questions or problems, please do not hesitate to call us.