POST-SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMPLANTS AND BONE GRAFT PROCEDURES
Medications
Take your medications as instructed. Make sure you do not take medication on an empty stomach, as this will likely cause nausea, possibly vomiting. Finish antibiotic prescribed. Ignore the swish & spit instructions on the Peridex Rinse. Instead, 5 days following surgery, use a Q-tip dipped in this rinse to clean around the implant area twice a day.
Bleeding
No pressure, No gauze, No prosthetics. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following the surgical procedure. Blood-tinged saliva may occur for approximately 36 hours.
Limit Your Activity
Stimulation of blood circulation can cause prolonged bleeding, therefore. . .
**A SEMI-RECLINING POSITION AND REST FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS IS RECOMMENDED**
DURING THE FIRST 48 HOURS FOLLOWING SURGERY DO NOT:
- SMOKE
- USE A STRAW
- DRINK CARBONATED OR HIGHLY ACIDIC BEVERAGES
- FORCEABLY SPIT ANYTHING FROM THE MOUTH
- ENGAGE IN EXCESSIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SUCH AS BENDING, LIFTING HEAVY OBJECTS, CLIMBING STAIRS, ETC.
Do Not Disturb the Surgical Area
The greyish or yellowish appearance of the surgical site or a slight odor does not necessarily indicate the presence of infection. Keep your tongue, fingers, toothpicks or any other matter away from the surgical site.
Post-Operative Sinus Involvement
- No nose blowing for 7 days
- No closed mouth coughs
- No sucking
- No smoking
Take all prescribed medications as instructed.
Rinsing
After the first 24 hours it is important to keep the surgical area free from food debris. It is very important to use a warm salt water rinse, using ½ teaspoon of salt to an 8 ounce glass of warm water. Start rinses 24 hours after surgery. Continue these rinses 4 to 6 times per day, especially after meals and before bedtime. DO NOT use any commercial mouthwashes. It is advisable to resume daily oral hygiene by brushing your teeth gently. It is important to continue the salt water rinses until your suture removal or check-up appointment which is usually scheduled approximately one week after surgery. The use of the rinses makes removal of the sutures easier. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT REGIMEN OF YOUR POST-OPERATIVE CARE..
Swelling
To help minimize the initial post-operative swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of the face in the surgical area. Apply the ice pack for 20 minutes and then remove for 20 minutes. Continue this for the first 24 hours. AFTER 24 HOURS, apply a damp warm compress or heating pad to the outside of the face in the surgical area. It is important to note that the swelling and pain will peak on the third post-operative day.
Diet
Soft food diet until told differently at post-operative appointment. It is important to maintain a good diet post-operatively.
FIRST DAY: Avoid use of straws, carbonated beverages and acidic liquid or food. You may have cold liquid to soft foods such as ice cream, jello, yogurt, or puddings.
SECOND DAY : You may introduce warm soft foods such as pastas, soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or oatmeal into your diet.
Bone Fragments
During the healing process, small sharp bone fragments may surface to the gum in the surgical area. In most cases these will work themselves out. However, if they cause irritation or pain, please call the office so the doctor can advise and/or treat you.
Pain and Swelling
If pain or swelling occurs after the surgical site has apparently healed, please call the office.
Post-Operative Treatment
Please return to the office, as instructed, for a post-operative evaluation and perhaps for removal of sutures if non-dissolvable sutures have been placed.
Do not hesitate to contact our office if there are any questions as to your progress and/or recovery. South County Office St. Louis Office Phone Number (314) 842-4699 Festus Office Festus Office Phone Number (636) 931-4699 **After Hours Medical Exchange 314-388-5260** For emergency care after office hours, call the Medical Exchange and the doctor will promptly get back in touch with you.
Because of new Federal DEA regulations, some medications which were previously refillable now require a new handwritten controlled prescription. These can only be obtained in person during regular office hours. If you require changes or refills to these medications, they must be handled in person during regular office hours.
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