The most natural way to replace a missing tooth.
Standards of good oral hygiene are critical for the success and functionality of the implants and restoration. The best way to prevent infection and ensure healing is to keep your mouth clean. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste after meals and at bedtime. Use of a dental Waterpik is highly recommended to irrigate underneath the fixed bridge to flush out debris. DO NOT begin use of the dental Waterpik until you are directed by your dentist to do so. Use Oral B Superfloss twice per day to clean each implant under the fixed bridge. Use mouthwash or a saltwater rinse after each meal.
Minimal bleeding is expected after this implant procedure. Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem. Suture material may last 2 to 3 weeks and should be left alone. You will be asked to return to the office for several follow up appointments. Any sutures remaining at that time may be removed at the dentist’s discretion.
Swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and healing. The swelling will not become apparent until 24 hours after surgery and will not reach its peak for 2-3 days. After this time, the swelling should decrease but may persist for 7-10 days. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Apply the ice packs to the outside of the face 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off while awake for the first 24 hours. After 48 hours, begin use of a warm, moist compress to the cheek.
Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. If you do not have an allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen) we recommend taking this prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. Narcotic pain medication will make you drowsy, do not drive or operate mechanical machinery while taking narcotic prescriptions. Once you feel like you can stop the narcotic, use Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. Post-operative antibiotics should be taken as directed (always take the entire course of the prescription). All medications should not exceed the recommended dosage.
*NOTE: If you are taking PLAVIX or COUMADIN, do NOT use Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen products.
After surgery, start with liquids. While numb, patients should avoid hot liquids or foods. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days, compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. We recommend high protein shakes/smoothies (Ensure, Special K, etc.) as meal replacement supplements. Patients are restricted to a SOFT CHEW diet for the first 8 weeks….if food cannot be easily cut with a fork…DO NOT eat it!
Rest and relax with no physical activity for the first 3 to 4 days after surgery. After 4 days, you may resume activity as tolerated.
Add Soft Foods When Numbness is Gone / Increase Diet as Tolerated
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