Please follow these post operative care instructions closely.
If you experience any complications call the emergency telephone numbers provided.

AFTER SURGERY:
Avoid eating and talking until numbness wears off, which is usually after 2-3 hours. Soft foods may be eaten when the anesthetic wears off. Avoid chewing directly on surgical site.

ORAL HYGIENE:
Oral hygiene is very important for proper healing and expedient recovery. First day after surgery, gently rinse your mouth using a half teaspoon of salt mixed with a large glass of warm water.
Repeat several times a day until soreness subsides. Using a soft toothbrush, brush teeth gently and avoid implant area to protect sutures.

1. Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed.
2. Do not drink with a straw, drink straight from a cup or glass.
3. Do not smoke.
4. Keep tongue away from surgical area. (Spitting, drinking through a straw, smoking, and poking around surgical area can dislodge the blood clot that is forming which can cause bleeding from the treated area.
   Also, smoking can increase the chances of infection and the heat generated from the cigarettes may also cause gum damage.

POST-OPERATIVE DISCOMFORT:
Pain can vary from patient to patient, therefore, take all medication as prescribed and avoid all alcoholic drinks and tobacco.

SWELLING:
Most patients will experience some swelling after surgery. It may be mild or severe, and it’s different for every patient. The swelling may increase for the first 24 to 48 hours before it begins to subside. It may last from several days to one week. Some bruising may also develop on the face.

1. Use an ice pack on the cheek or face next to the surgical site. Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then off for 10 minutes, and repeat until you go to sleep. Start again the next day.
2. Sleep with your head elevated slightly, above the heart. This will help keep swelling down.
3. On the third day, change to moist heat instead of ice packs. This will help reduce swelling more quickly.

BLEEDING:
Some minor bleeding is expected after implant surgery. The bleeding will usually subside quickly, and stop completely within an hour or two. Some oozing is normal and may persist for several hours. Upper implants may trigger some bleeding from the nose. This is normal and will stop quickly. If necessary place some gauze on the surgical area with moderate pressure for 30 to 45 minutes.

Remove the gauze and replace it with a new piece of gauze if bleeding continues. It is important to make sure the gauze is directly on the surgical site. If this procedure is not stopping the bleeding, place a moistened tea bag on the surgical site instead of the gauze. Tannic acid in tea will help to form a clot and stop the bleeding. If this attempt fails to stop the bleeding, call the emergency numbers below.

DIET:
Good nutrition is important, especially for a healthy and fast recovery. For the first few days eat only soft foods that are high in protein and drink plenty of liquids. No alcohol!
Regular diet may be resumed when you feel up to it. Stay well-nourished and well hydrated for quicker healing.

BRUSHING TEETH:
You may brush teeth, but avoid surgical area. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and do not spit or rinse forcefully.

RINSING:
Begin rinsing gently, with warm salty water every few hours. Do not use alcohol-containing mouth rinses for a few days.

MEDICATIONS:
Take all medications with a full glass of water, and as directed on the label. Call emergency number below if you experience severe nausea, or diarrhea, or cannot swallow the pills.

1. Antibiotics: Continue until supply is finished. Quit only if you are experiencing abdominal discomfort.
2. Pain Medicine: Continue as necessary. Remember, narcotics can make you drowsy, so do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcoholic drinks while taking medications.
3. Mouth rinse: Rinse with warm salt water for 30 seconds, then gently spit out. Rinse at least two times per day.