Home Instructions after Dental Implant Surgery

To ensure proper healing, please follow the instructions below carefully. Avoid disturbing the surgical area: do not rinse, spit, or touch the site on the day of surgery. You may see a small metal healing abutment above the gum — this is normal.

Bleeding

• Slight bleeding or pink-tinged saliva is normal for the first 24 hours.

• If bleeding becomes heavier (e.g., your mouth fills rapidly with blood), place a clean, folded gauze pad directly over the site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes.

• If heavy bleeding continues after this, contact our office for further instructions.

Swelling

• Swelling after implant surgery is normal and may peak during the first 48–72 hours.

• Apply an ice pack to the cheek on the surgical side as much as possible for the first 36 hours. Use 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off if preferred.

Diet

• Stay well-hydrated with plenty of fluids.

• Avoid hot foods and beverages on the day of surgery.

• Begin with soft foods and liquids, then gradually transition back to your normal diet as tolerated — unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

Pain Management

• Begin pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.

For moderate pain

• Tylenol® or Extra Strength Tylenol®: 1–2 tablets every 3–4 hours.

• Ibuprofen (Advil®/Motrin®): 400–600 mg every 6 hours.

• Do not exceed 3200 mg of Ibuprofen in a 24-hour period (adults).

For severe pain

• Take the prescribed medication exactly as directed.

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol while using prescription pain medication.

• Important: Do not take any medication if you are allergic to it or if your physician has advised against its use.

Antibiotics

• Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed.

• Complete the full course, even if you feel better.

• If you experience adverse reactions, call our office promptly.

Oral Hygiene

• Night of surgery: Use your prescribed Peridex (chlorhexidine) rinse before bed

• Starting the next day:

• Use Peridex twice daily (after breakfast and before bed), rinsing for 30 seconds and then spitting.

• Do not swallow the rinse.

• You may resume brushing your teeth and the healing abutments the day after surgery. Brush gently near the surgical sites. No electric toothbrushes till seen for your 4 week post-op appointment.

Activity

• Avoid strenuous exercise for several days, as this may cause increased bleeding or throbbing.

• If you notice bleeding during activity, stop immediately.

• Your energy may be reduced due to a lighter diet — rest and allow your body time to heal.

Call our office at 214-888-3234 for any questions or concerns.