Implants

CARE OF YOUR MOUTH FOLLOWING IMPLANT SURGERY

  • A dental implant has been placed in your mouth. The implant may be located above or below the tissue. This type of implant has been selected for your particular situation because of the bone available to place an implant. The implant will usually take a period of 3 to 6 months to heal; depending upon your body's healing properties and the type of implant surgery.
  • If sutures were placed around your implant, they will be removed and checked by Dr. Frey in one to two weeks.
  • Usually you are able to wear your present partial or flipper, if applicable. Sometimes it may be necessary to leave it in the night of the surgery. It is important to keep the appliance as clean as possible during the healing period. Please ask the doctor if you have any questions.
  • Every consideration must be given to keep the surgical site clean and free of food particles.

Instructions for mouth care and other helpful information:

  • NO SMOKING! Smoking is to be avoided for a minimum of 48 hours after surgery. Smoking increases the heat in the surgical site and significantly lowers the body’s ability to clot and heal the site.
  • Avoid these after surgery: alcohol with post-operative medications, commercial mouth rinses and very hot fluids.
  • Gentle rinsing of the mouth should be started the day after surgery. Frequent rinsing with luke warm salt water or Peridex (Chlorhexidine) will aid in the healing process (add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a 6 ounce glass of water). Avoid the use of a WaterPik toothbrush.
  • An appropriate pain medication has been prescribed for you. Please take it according to the directions. It is advised that you do not drive while taking the pain medicine. However, if only Ibuprofen or Tylenol is needed, most people are able to drive without a problem.
  • Swelling: some swelling and minimal bruising is possible and is to be expected. It is not unusual. In most cases, swelling can be prevented/controlled. Use an ice pack for a period of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the day for the next two days. The application of ice to the outside of the face over the surgical area will minimize swelling. If after five days you still have an unusual swelling or pain, please call the office.
  • Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding following surgery should not alarm you. If the bleeding is excessive or continuous, please call us at once. Vigorous rinsing of the mouth prolongs the bleeding by removing the clotting blood, so when rinsing your mouth, do it gently.
  • No drinking through straws. The use of the straw creates negative pressure in your mouth and will tend to loosen the sutures or inhibit blood clot formation.
  • Diet: Following surgery it is best to restrict your diet to fluids and soft foods for the first day. Normal diet may then be resumed the following day, but you will want to avoid chewing on the implant site until the tissue is completely healed. Soft foods such as Jell-O, pudding, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and soups are suggested. If you have difficulty chewing, try blenderized foods or diet supplements such as Carnation Instant Breakfast or Ensure.
  • Implant follow-up: We will see you for the periodic checkups until the implant has healed. This is usually for a period of three to six months, depending on your implant surgery.
  • If you have any questions at any time, please contact our office at 362-3333. You may also call Dr. Frey on his cell phone at 376-7272.

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We look forward to hearing from you.

Our Location

506 Corda Blvd | Crawfordsville, IN 47933

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed