Please follow the post-op instructions provided by Dr. Andrew Wiemeyer and Dr. Samuel Lee closely after your dental implant surgery, as this will aid in a smoother recovery. If you have any questions or to schedule a follow-up appointment with our prosthodontists in Duxbury, Massachusetts, please reach out to Contemporary Prosthodontics at 781-934-2300.
Instructions to Patients Following Dental Implant Surgery
- BLEEDING: Blood tinged saliva is normal for several hours after a procedure. However, if significant bleeding resumes later in the day, contact your Doctor as soon as possible. Pressure for 5-10 minutes with a small gauze will usually be all that is required to stop any post-operative bleeding that occurs.
- DISCOMFORT: Take pain medication exactly as instructed by your Doctor. It is usually wise to try to take the first dose before your local anesthetic has completely worn off, if possible. Pain control could be achieved with alternating 600mg Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin) with 650mg Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) every 6-8 hours or as needed.
- SWELLING: Expect some swelling (or bruising) in the surgical area and possibly also around lips and cheeks for 2 or 3 days. This can be minimized by using ice for the first post-surgical day. Use a few ice cubes in a plastic bag against your face about 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off. The teeth involved may seem more mobile (loose) than before the treatment; they should gradually become less mobile as the site heals.
- NUTRITION: You should generally eat softer foods than you ordinarily would. Try to chew in an area other than the surgical site. If possible, avoid very coarse foods (pretzels, chips, etc.) and avoid foods with seeds or small grains. Also, the roots of your teeth may be extra sensitive, avoid extreme hot or cold food or beverages after treatment.
- STOP OR MINIMIZE SMOKING
- PARTIALS/DENTURES: Wear these only as directed by your Doctor. These prostheses will usually have to be modified and/or relined so as not to press upon the surgical site and the underlying implants. Usually, the less they are worn the better.
