What to do after Implant Surgery
Surgery and the healing period As with any surgery there can be some discomfort following implant placement. It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues but any discomfort can be treated with ordinary painkillers. We advise that for the next day or two you plan to take life easy, this is particularly relevant if you have had sedation for your treatment. You will be given medication and mouth washes to help minimise any swelling and discomfort. Sutures may need removing 7-10 days after implant placement, depending on which type were used. Most patients tell us that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated, reporting only minimal discomfort afterwards. Ask your Devonshire House Dentist if you can speak with another patient who has already had such tooth replacement therapy to hear their personal experience.
Temporary Restoration During the healing period, we may fit a temporary crown or a healing cap onto the implant, according to your individual situation. If your temporary restoration becomes loose, please let us know.
Aftercare Local anaesthesia may take several hours to wear off. It is important to completely avoid eating or drinking any hot food whilst you are numb. Rinse with the mouthwash provided as directed by your Devonshire House Dentist, or use half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water 5-6 times per day, for 5 days. Rinse very gently to avoid disturbing the site and help keep it clean.
Do · Keep your head elevated throughout the day. Sitting is better than lying down. · At night time position your head higher than the rest of your body. · Attend follow up visits as instructed by your Devonshire House dentist.
Don’t ·
If you have had sedation for the procedure, it is imperative that you do not drive, operate any machinery or sign any legal documents for 24 hours.
· ·
Do not take part in vigorous exercise for the first three days after surgery. It is possible to drink soon after surgery but we advise you to completely avoid hot drinks for 12 hours.
· Do not eat anything before the local anaesthetic has worn off. · Do not suck anything through a straw for the first 3 days, blow up balloons or play wind instruments as this may encourage bleeding. · While sleeping, avoid resting your head on the side where the surgery has taken place.
Possible side effects after surgery Implant placement is a routine procedure and complications are very rare. It is normal to have some swelling, bruising and discomfort for the first week after your procedure.
Bleeding In case of bleeding, fold and moisten the pad of gauze provided and bite on it for 10-15 minutes. Do not disturb the pad during this time. Do not use cotton wool or tissues to bite on and try to keep your head elevated. If you continue to experience bleeding, call Devonshire House.
Swelling In addition to taking any medication given to you by Devonshire House, you can reduce possible swelling by keeping your head elevated above chest level during the first 24 hours after the surgery.
When to call Devonshire House · If you have persistent swelling or throbbing pain several days after surgery. · If bleeding occurs. · If you still feel numb 6 hours after surgery. · If you develop any symptoms or have questions that are not covered in your post-operative instructions.
Medication Your Devonshire House Dentist may prescribe painkillers, antibiotics and possibly steroids for you. It is important to keep to the specified dosages.
Care and check-ups Meticulous and consistent oral hygiene helps to ensure that your dental implant will provide years of comfortable service.
Home care After you have received your permanent restoration, your new teeth will be just as stable as your natural ones. You can include them fully in your daily oral hygiene routine. Ideally brush your teeth after every main meal, particularly after breakfast and at night. We will demonstrate appropriate cleaning techniques so that you can become familiar with the tools and procedures that are required for implant care. In general, you should care for your dental implant in the same manner as you would for your natural teeth. Cleaning the spaces between the teeth is also important. Use the cleaning aids we recommend, such as interdental brushes, and give yourself sufficient time to clean teeth and spaces thoroughly. Please call Devonshire House if you have any questions.
Professional check-ups Professional cleaning is important too. We will suggest suitable review appointments for you, based upon the complexity of your dental restorations and your overall oral health.
www.devonshirehousedental.co.uk
2 Queen Edith’s Way Cambridge CB1 7PN T: 01223 245266 E: enquiries@dh-dental.co.uk www.devonshirehousedental.co.uk Riverdale Tradeco Ltd, 13 Roseberry Court, Ellerbeck Way, Stokesley, Middlesbrough TS9 5QT. Co no: 11506562