in this section:
Before Surgery | After Oral Surgery & Tooth Extractions | After Implants & Bone Grafts |
After Sinus Communication | Soft Diet | Fractured Jaw Diet
Science has made great improvements during the past decade in dental implantology. The implants that we use today are stronger and more successful than ever before. We have the greatest confidence in them. Despite these tremendous improvements in dental implants and surgical techniques, the ultimate success of your implants depends on your active cooperation and participation in treatment and post-operative care. We have developed set of guidelines to ensure the best possible results. The first two weeks after surgery are the most important. Healing of the bone around the implants takes three to six months.
A bland, mild temperature, nutritionally balanced, soft diet should be consumed during the first two weeks to avoid food particles from entering your wounds and causing an infection. Progression to a regular diet may be done only after it is discussed with our doctor and after your denture has been modified
Swelling from oral surgery is normal and reaches its MAXIMUM IN 48 HOURS. Keeping the head elevated with two pillows when lying down can minimize facial swelling. Applying cold compresses to your face (30 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 48 hours can also minimize swelling. Bags of frozen peas also work well. After 48 hours, warm compresses will help to reduce the swelling. These should be continued (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) until the swelling has subsided.
Intermittent oozing is normal but bleeding should never be severe; if it is, it usually means that the gauze packs are being clenched between your teeth rather than pressing on the surgical area. Try repositioning fresh packs so that pressure is directly on the surgical area, and your remaining teeth are kept slightly apart by the gauze pack.
If bleeding persists and is bothersome you may try applying pressure with a teabag.
You will be given instructions for the use of your dentures following a procedure.
If an implant protrudes through the gums, the metal must be kept clean. Use a cotton-tipped applicator ( Q-tip) with peroxide and water for the first 3 weeks and a soft bristled toothbrush after every meal.
Tobacco should be eliminated during the first two weeks after surgery.
Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You should have the most discomfort after the anesthetics wear off. You should take the first dose of pain medicine before you start to feel the beginning of discomfort. This will help you to manage the discomfort better. Try not to take the pain medicine on an empty stomach. Bland foods like yogurt, cool soups, etc., will help settle your stomach. For mild discomfort, take Tylenol every 4 hours or ibuprofen (advil) 600 to 800mg every 6 hours. For severe discomfort use the medication prescribed to you.
Take one ounce of a carbonated drink such as ginger ale or cola every hour for five or six hours. Then drink mild tea, clear broth and eat soft foods like yogurt or ice milk before resuming your regular diet.
Sometimes surgery will produce bruising. This may not appear for 24 to 48 hours. Heat applications to the involved area (30 minutes on, 10 minutes off) will hasten a return to normal.
Although antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent an infection, a wound infection may occur a day or several days after surgery. You may be suspicious of an infection if there is a sudden increase in swelling, throbbing pain, or a foul tasting drainage from the wound. If you suspect infection, call the office as soon as possible.
Your recent investment in your dental implants reflects your commitment to improving your health, jaw function and appearance. We are equally committed to helping you preserve your investment by assisting you in any way we can as well as monitoring the condition of your implants on a regular basis. If you are ever in doubt about any instructions we have given you or you are concerned about the healing of your implants, please contact our office and schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation as soon as possible to ensure the best results.
Soft Food Diet Instructions - Follow for the first 24 hours after surgery
A nutritious and energy producing diet is necessary for good healing and general health. There is a limit to the amount of fluid or semi-fluid that can be ingested comfortably at any meal. Therefore, to maintain a sufficient intake of protein and calories, it is necessary to feed at frequent intervals. For the first few days, you will only be able to manage fluids through a straw. With practice, you will be able to force semisolid foods through the spaces between and around your teeth.
After each meal, rise your mouth thoroughly with warm water and a (Scope, Listerine, Lavoris, Colgate, Chloraseptic, Micrin) mouthwash. Use a soft child-size toothbrush (Oral B20, Oral B Sulcus, Pycopay) or a water pic to remove debris from the wires and teeth.
A liquid diet does not always meet all the essential requirements, so it will be necessary to supplement each meal with one serving of any one of the following Sustagen, Meritene, Nutrament, Ovaltine or Carnation Instant Breakfast. Occasionally, the doctor will prescribe a liquid vitamin supplement. This should be taken as directed. Alcoholic beverages which may cause vomiting should be avoided. An electric blender will facilitate preparation of the semisolid food.
You should experience no trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined.
In the event of extreme pain, uncontrollable bleeding, or any unusual disturbances, telephone this office immediately at 703-444-4400 for additional information or further treatment.
Our interest in your care does not cease with the completion of the operation. If any difficulty arises at any time, please telephone or return for treatment.