After Dental Implant Surgery

Implant Placement

Ice:  We stress the importance of using ice after treatment.  The ice will do 3 things: aid in reducing discomfort, minimize swelling, and decrease bleeding. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off while awake.  Swelling is normal after this procedure.  Swelling reaches its peak at about 48 hours; the frequent use of ice packs during the first day will minimize the amount of your swelling.    Keeping the head elevated also helps to minimize swelling and bleeding.

Oral Hygiene: Cleaning the mouth should begin the day following surgery.  Use a soft toothbrush.  Rinse your mouth frequently throughout the day. You may use your favorite brand of mouthwash mixed with warm water, or warm salt water. The cleaner you keep your mouth, the quicker the healing process will be.

Single Stage Implant: If you have a single stage implant you will notice a shiny screw above the gum-line.  Keep this screw clean by brushing it like a natural tooth.  Use a soft toothbrush during your normal tooth brushing.

THE SCREW IS NOT TO BE USED FOR CHEWING.

Diet: Your diet will consist of soft foods.  Soups, but not too hot, pasta, fish, eggs, pudding, applesauce. Do not let any hard or crunchy foods come in contact with the screw that may be visible at the gumline.  There is a restriction of yogurt for the first week due to the active cultures which contain bacteria. If there any other diet restrictions, they will be discussed after your surgery.

Prosthesis: Do not wear your prosthesis unless Dr. Brousell has adjusted and relined it.  If wearing your prosthesis causes any soreness, check with us for any adjustment.

Medications: Take as directed.  You have been given an antibiotic, medication to relieve pain and a mouth rinse.  The antibiotic is an important part of your treatment. Often medications such as Advil can be used in place of any prescription pain relievers.

• If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at any time. 
• Following these instructions will provide a healthy post op course.
• Information and timetable regarding the overall treatment plan:

Dr. Brousell and your restorative dentist work closely to ensure a successful and happy outcome for you.

As discussed in the consultative phase, Dr. Brousell is your implant surgeon and your dentist will be making your teeth on the implants.

Once your implants have been placed here, we will see you several times during the healing period. 
We will see you one week after surgery and monthly while your implants heal.  This time period varies from case to case but is usually 3 months for lower implants and 4.5 months or longer for upper implants.

We will keep track of you and remind you when it’s time to start the work at your restorative dentist’s office.

At the end of the healing period, if you have a one stage implant, no treatment will be needed here.
If you have a 2 stage implant, we will remind you to come in here at the appropriate time to have the implants uncovered. This will be followed by a week or more of healing prior to impressions.