Carolinas Oral & Facial Surgery Center

Oral & Facial Surgery

Wilmington, Whiteville, and Jacksonville, NC

800-638-9019

Post Surgery Care for Dental Implants

  • It is advisable to keep quiet and generally take it easy for 48 to 72 hours after your surgery. Rest facilitates healing while strenuous activity may cause renewed bleeding for 7-10 days. While resting, be sure to keep your head elevated at all times.
  • It is helpful to drink plenty of fluids; warm or room temperature is best.
  • Apply ice pack to face, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
  • Slight bleeding mixed with saliva is customary up to 48 hours after your surgery.
  • You can expect to be uncomfortable for the first day after surgery. The second day you may be even more uncomfortable with swelling and possible discoloration in areas of cheeks and along jaw line due to possible slight bruising. The third day is generally a little better with rapid improvement on the fourth day.
  • Do not take liquids through a straw. This creates an inward suction and causes tension on your sutures which could interfere with healing.
  • Do NOT smoke. Smoking creates a two-fold problem. It also creates a harmful inward suction, as well as introducing nicotine which is harmful to the tissues of the mouth.
  • Avoid vigorous rinsing during the first week. Begin rinsing your mouth the day after surgery. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water 3-4 times daily, especially after mealtime. (To rinse, gently place water in your mouth and tilt your head from side to side in a slow motion. Empty your mouth by standing over a sink and just let the liquid fall out into the basin – DO NOT SPIT!)
  • Slight elevation of temperature (1 to 2 degrees) is normal. Please notify our office if it persists.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption for approximately one week after surgery. As long as you are on pain medication please refrain from alcohol usage entirely. Alcohol dissolves blood clots and interferes with actions of other medications. (Combining alcohol and drugs can cause serious problems.)
  • If you have excessive bleeding, place a tea bag in lukewarm water, squeeze excess water out, wrap in gauze and bite down on wet bag for up to 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag should help to stop the bleeding. If bleeding continues, contact our office immediately.
  • We know that you are anxious to see the results of your surgery, but please do not forcibly pull your lips or cheeks away to inspect the surgical site. This action could possible tear your sutures.
  • Take your medications as prescribed. To avoid stomach discomfort, be sure to eat or drink something before taking your medication.
  • If upper implants were placed, please do not blow your nose for 2 weeks. Take decongestants as directed by your physician.
  • Do eat when you are hungry. Start with clear liquids (Sprite, 7-Up), progressing to soft foods (soup, mashed potatoes, soft eggs, puddings) for several days. DO NOT chew on implants or bone graft.
  • Do not wear your partial or denture until your doctor has adjusted it and given permission.

Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions. Our office is open between 8:00am and 6:00pm. After hours there is always a doctor on call to handle any emergencies. We are here to help you.