Dental implant and tooth extraction aftercare
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
You may experience some weakness for the first few hours after implantation or another surgical procedure. Please avoid exercising and going to the sauna for at least a few days after the procedure to avoid bleeding. Do not touch the wound with your fingers, tongue or any other object. You should also avoid any sucking motion. You should not use any kind of drops, powders or tablets to treat the wound, as they may cause inflammation.
MOUTH RINSING AND TEETH BRUSHING
You should avoid vigorous mouth rinsing on the day of the procedure. Mouthwash can be used on the following days to rinse the wound. If PRF (platelet rich fibrin) was used during surgery to restore soft tissue, choose a mouthwash that does not contain chlorhexidine. Mouthwash should be used twice a day, half an hour after your brushing teeth for about a minute. The wound should be rinsed for a maximum of two weeks, unless the doctor has instructed otherwise. If you experience gum sensitivity or a burning sensation, dilute the solution or contact your dentist. For the first few days after the procedure, brush your teeth normally but without toothpaste. It is not recommended to use an electric toothbrush during that time. Avoid irritating the wounded area. However, good oral hygiene is important to reduce the risk of inflammation.
DIET
Avoid drinking and eating for two hours after the procedure. Eat soft foods for the first few days after the procedure. It is also recommended to avoid smoking on the day of the procedure. Avoid drinking alcohol during the healing period after surgery (especially when taking medication).
PAIN
When the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience discomfort and pain in the area. Pain or discomfort following surgery or tooth extraction may last for a few days. If you need pain relief, use over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or combination analgesics, or the painkillers prescribed by your doctor. Follow your dentist’s orders exactly and take medication that supports treatment.
SWELLING
Any kind of surgical intervention will cause swelling around the wounded area. Swelling typically reaches its peak the day after surgery and subsides within 4–7 days. Apply a cold pack to the area shortly after surgery to reduce swelling. Apply the cold pack to the area (extraorally) for about 30 minutes. Repeat this procedure three to four times a day. You can speed up the healing process by applying heat (hot water bottle, heating pad) to the area starting three days after surgery, heat should be applied for 15–20 minutes at a time, one to three times a day. Swelling often causes difficulty in opening the mouth which should also subside with the swelling. Do not apply compresses (e.g. chamomile, vodka) to the wound.
BLEEDING
You may experience bleeding on the day of the surgery. If the bleeding persists or intensifies, follow these instructions:
-
- Take a piece of sterile gauze, roll it up into a thumb-sized tampon and place it over the surgical site;
- Bite down on it so that the gauze is pressed firmly against the bleeding area, leave it in place for 30 minutes (keep your eye on the clock!);
- Carefully remove the gauze. If bleeding has not stopped, repeat the procedure;
- It is important to remain calm. It is recommended to sit in a semi-reclined position and place a cold pack on the outer jaw near the surgical site.
NB! Medicinal products containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) may increase bleeding.
BRUISING
After the surgery or tooth extraction there may be some bruising that may be quite noticeable and extend into the neck area. Bruising should disappear within a week.
FEVER
It is normal to have a fever one day after the surgery despite the medication.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE CONTINUED BLEEDING, A HIGH FEVER OR INTENSE PAIN, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR!