WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AT HOME CARE FOLLOWING YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

From the appearance of your smile, to how well you breathe and chew, missing teeth can be a problem. Missing teeth lead to noticeable issues such as gaps, fewer smiles, and feelings of anxiety. Missing teeth also lead to underlying dental health issues such as jawbone deterioration due to a lack of stimulation.

If you’re looking for an oral & facial surgery practice in the Spokane, Washington area known for safe dental implant surgery, look no further than Dr. Bryan McLelland and Dr. Brenen Olsen at Liberty Oral & Facial Surgery. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, they provide dental implants patients can trust.

FOLLOWING YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY, SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
INFECTION PREVENTION

To prevent any infection from developing, once you arrive home from surgery, you’ll want to take the antibiotic prescribed to you.

POST PROCEDURE DISCOMFORT

Any discomfort at the site of the surgical incisions where the implant(s) are placed is common following the surgery. This discomfort can usually be handled by taking medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) as directed by the manufacturer. Your surgeon or one of our qualified staff will tell you if there are any medications you should avoid.

BLEEDING

Bleeding and redness in your saliva is normal for about 24 hours following your implant surgery. Following your procedure, and to prevent excessive bleeding or throbbing, it’s important to keep any physical activity to a minimum. If bleeding feels excessive, place a clean gauze pad directly on the surgical wound and firmly bite down on it for half an hour. If this doesn’t slow or stop the bleeding, please call your doctor immediately.

NAUSEA

You may experience some amount of nausea or vomiting following your procedure. If this occurs, sipping on a flat cola (do not use a straw!) can help ease the discomfort. Soda crackers are another good option for settling your stomach. If nausea continues, try using an over-the-counter medication (like Benadryl – diphenhydramine). If no relief after trying all options, please call your doctor.

SWELLING

Swelling is typical after dental implant surgery and may even be accompanied by some bruising. It is highly recommended that you apply an ice pack continuously to the outside of the cheek near the area of surgery. Continue this as often as possible for the first 24 hours following your procedure.

ORAL HYGIENE

Keeping your mouth clean is vital to a successful healing process. On the day of your procedure, use any prescribed oral rinse before bed. On the following day, use the rinse after breakfast and again before bed, rinsing for about 30 seconds each time – also do a warm saltwater rinse. You may then begin to brush your teeth very gently around the surgical area.

If, at any time during the healing process, you begin to experience any discomfort, call our office immediately at (509) 822-2774.

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