Surgical Instructions
After Dental Implant Surgery

PERIODONTAL SURGERY OR IMPLANT SURGERY POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

To insure your comfort and the success of treatment, we strongly suggest that the following instructions be carried out.

1.  WORK AND EXERCISE: Return home immediately and relax. The sedative medicine takes some time to completely wear off, possibly as much as 24 hours. It is normal to sleep a good deal during this period. Do not try and drive or operate any machinery for 12 hours as your reaction time is slowed. Work can be returned tomorrow, but you may choose to wait several days. DO NOT UNDERTAKE ANY STRENUOUS EXERCISE FOR SEVERAL DAYS.

2.  PERIODONTAL DRESSING: A periodontal dressing (pack) may have been placed over the surgical site. It contains medication which helps prevent infection and which will make the healing period more comfortable. If, by chance, the dressing should come loose or be broken before your next dental appointment, do not be alarmed, it is a normal occurrence. Occasional blood stains in the saliva can be expected. If some bleeding continues, take a wet tea bag, ring it out and cover the area under pressure for 30 minutes.

3.  SMOKING: Dr. Hays recommends NO SMOKING for three months.

4.  SWELLING: For persistent swelling after the first 24 hours, heat is encouraged (hot water bottle, heating pad, etc.) Since this will increase circulation to the surgical site and healing will be promoted.

5.  NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHILE TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS. NO FRUIT, NO FRUIT JUICES, NO JUICES, AND NO CARBONATED BEVERAGES UNTIL DIRECTED.

6.  HOME CARE: Beginning the day after surgery, all the teeth not covered by the periodontal dressing must be brushed and flossed as you normally do. NO TOOTHPASTE, BAKING SODA, SALT WATER, OR MOUTHWASHES UNTIL DIRECTED. The periodontal dressing should also be cleaned daily, but not with a toothbrush since the dressing can accidentally be bumped loose. The dressing should be cleaned with gauze squares or Q-tips.

7.  MEDICATION: Pain medication may or may not be prescribed depending on the severity of your surgical procedure. If it is not prescribed, aspirin or acetaminophen tablets (2 tablets every 4 hours) will generally keep you comfortable. Do not take pain medication if not needed. In some cases, an antibiotic may also be prescribed to eliminate any chance of infection. It is imperative that you follow the directions on the label when taking antibiotic medication. Particularly be certain that you take this medication as prescribed until finished. Prescription pain medications are quite strong and consequently, to avoid mild symptoms of nausea, the medication should be taken with food. You should also avoid operating any mechanical devices or vehicles while taking the prescription medication.