Dental Implant & Perio Post-Op Care

If you will be undergoing periodontal or dental implant surgery at our Victoria dental clinic, please review the following information. If you have any questions not covered in this information, please contact us.

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What to Expect After Surgery

Read the following information to learn more about what to expect following your dental implant surgery at Dr. Todd Jones Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. 

Following dental implant surgery, it is essential to take detailed care of the area surrounding your new implant.

For the first month following your dental implant surgery your care routine will be more involved as the implant becomes integrating with the bone and tissues.

Dental Implant Surgery Post-Op

After dental implant surgery it’s important to follow these care instructions: 

• Antibiotics

  Patients should take all prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection at the surgical site.  Twenty-four hours after the surgery, patients should begin using the prescribed oral rinse twice daily alongside a warm saltwater rinse 4-5 times daily (preferably after every meal/snack).

• Bleeding

  Blood in the patients’ saliva is normal during the first 24 hours following surgery.  We suggest biting on gauze pads to help control and lessen blood flow.  Gently bite down on the gauze pad and try to maintain constant pressure, repeating as often as needed, or until bleeding lessens.

• Dealing With Pain

  Shortly after your dental implant surgery the anesthetic will wear off.  You should begin taking pain medication before this happens. Any over-the-counter pain medication can be taken (e.g., Tylenol®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, etc.).

• Diet

  We recommend an initial diet of soft foods, but patients can resume a normal diet as soon as they feel capable of doing so. Stay hydrated. It is critical that you are drinking plenty of fluids.

• Hygiene

  In order for the dental implants to heal properly, the surgical site must be kept clean. Continue to brush your teeth as you normally would, but avoid any sutures and do not brush the implant. The antibiotic and saltwater rinses will disinfect the implant itself.

• Swelling

  After dental implant surgery some amount of swelling is to be expected. To help minimize swelling, try to keep your head elevated and lower your activity level as much as possible. Use ice packs for the first 48 hours and apply continuously, or as frequently as possible to minimize facial swelling.

• Wearing Your Prosthesis or Night Guard

  Partial dentures, flippers, full dentures, retainers, or night guards should not be used for at least 10 days following surgery. If there are any special circumstances, our practice will discuss those with you during your pre-operative consultation.

• Smoking

  Smoking after dental implant surgery has an increased risk of infection which also increases the risk of dental implants failing to integrate. We recommend that patients do not smoke for a minimum of 2 weeks after dental implant surgery.

Post-Periodontal & Implant Surgery FAQs

It's important to always follow your specialist's instructions following oral surgery, that said, here are some basic instructions for caring for your mouth following surgery:

• Should I rinse my mouth out?

  Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery, and be sure to keep your fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.

• How should I care for my oral hygiene?

  Soak the wound twice a day with the antimicrobial rinse provided.

  If you wish you may rinse your mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonful of salt dissolved in a glass of water. Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days.

  Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the socket area and thus helps prevent infection and promote healing.

  Brush tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down, but be careful not to touch the surgical site.
  
  Resume your regular tooth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen or remove the blood clot.

• Will icing my face help the healing process?

  Use ice packs on side of the face receiving surgery for the first 24 hours, apply ice 20 minutes on - 10 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well. Use moist heat after 24 hours.

• What should I take to help relieve pain?

  Immediately following the procedure begin taking medication as directed by your surgeon to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal. Application of an ice bag can also help relieve discomfort.

  After 24 hours continue to take your medication if pain persists, and use an ice bag if needed.

  For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every four hours. For medium or severe pain use the prescription given to you.

• Should I use a straw?

  Our periodontist recommends that you drink plenty of fluids, but do not use a straw. 

• What should I eat following surgery?

  Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.

  Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids - with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the surgical site. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as they are comfortable to chew.   

• Will the site of my surgery bleed very much?

  A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area using a small gauze for 10 to 15 minutes. This may have to be repeated several times. If bleeding persists, a moist teabag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. If bleeding still persists call our office. 

• When can I return to smoking?

  We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause delayed healing.

• Does your clinic have on-site parking?

  Yes, we have free on-site parking available for all our patients. We are also easily accessible by public transit.