Care After Placement of Dental Implants

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• PRESCRIPTIONS - If you received a prescription for pain medication, follow the directions on the bottle.  Take no othe pain medications or sedatives without first discussing with me.  Do not operate a motor vehicle or  machinery (lawn mower, ect.) while taking the pain medicaion.  Beginning the day after the exractions you may start taking Ibuprofen, 400-600mg with each meal until your soreness resolves.  Do not take Ibuprofen if you have been intolerant of this medicaion in the past.
• BLEEDING - Place gauze over the tooth sockets, bite firmly on the gauze for 30 minutes. If bleeding returns, place new folded gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Slight oozing of blood is normal for 12-24 hours.  If you experience bright red bleeding, please call me.
• RINSING - DO NOT RINSE OR SPIT TODAY. Tomorrow begin rinsing with Peridex as well as gentle rinsing with warm salt water (one tablespoon of table salt in 12 ounce glass of warm tap water) after each meal and at bedtime.  You may carefully brush your teeth beginning tonight with a soft toothbrush.  Keep the bristles on your teeth and off the gum tissue.
• DIET - Take only liquids or very soft foods today.  Stay on soft foods until other wise told by me.  Avoid hot,spicy foods, potato chips, tortilla chips, or popcorn until otherwise directed by me.
• SWELLING - Swelling is normal after implant surgery and usually begins to resolve after 2-3 days but may last as long as 7-10 days.  An Ice pack applied to your face over the operated area for the first 48 hours will decrease pain and swelling. Swelling can also be controlled by elevating your head on two pillows while sleeping.  After 48 hours, you should switch to moist heat therapy rather than ice packs.  If your swelling dramatically  increases after several days, please notify me.
• SMOKING - DO NOT SMOKE FOR ONE WEEK. The heat and toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke are harmful to healing wounds.  It is well recognized that implants are more likely to fail in smokers.
• STITCHES - You may notice some stitches in your mouth. These will dissove over one to two weeks and usually do not need to be removed.  Do not be concerned if you lose a stitch prior to the return appointment.
• DO NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW - For at least three days.
• ROUTINE DENTAL CARE - Do not schedule routine dental care (such as cleaning, fillings, etc.) for at least 4 weeks post-oral surgery procedures.
• PROBLEMS - If any problems arise or if you have any questions please call (940)264-6000.  If it is after regular office hours and you have problems or urgent questions that cannot wait until the next business day, call (940)264-6000 and leave a message with your name, who it's regarding and a call back number.  Dr. Vergara will return your call.