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Palm Springs
1900 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Suite A1
Palm Springs, CA 92262
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Palm Desert
72-780 El Paseo
Suite E-1
Palm Desert, CA 92260
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    After Dental Implant Surgery

    Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

    Bleeding

    Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

    Swelling

    Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 6-8 hours

    Diet

    Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

    Pain

    You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

    Antibiotics

    Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection

    Oral Hygiene

    Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Rinse before bed. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

    Activity

    Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

    Wearing your Prosthesis

    Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.

    Palm Springs

    Palm Desert

    Palm Springs
    1900 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
    Suite A1
    Palm Springs, CA 92262
    760.327.1509
    Palm Desert
    72-780 El Paseo
    Suite E-1
    Palm Desert, CA 92260
    760.346.7431
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