Read more about Dental Implants in our Procedures section.
The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure and your post operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and complications can be reduced to a minimum by adhering to the following instructions carefully.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by placing a damp bite pack eg: damp folded tissue, gauze or tampon over the bleeding area and bite firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding does not subside within an hour contact the surgery or Dr Chahoud’s mobile if after hours.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery and usually peaks 2-3 days following the operation. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply intermittently (15 minutes on then 10 minutes off) for 24 to 48 hours. Sleep with your head propped up on two pillows to avoid swelling.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Maintain dosages as instructed. Should you experience persistent nausea or vomiting and or any evidence of skin rash, cease all medications and contact Dr Chahoud’s rooms immediately.
Pain Relief
Dr Chahoud has prescribed appropriate pain relief to assist your pain management. You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anaesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, preferably use milder pain medications eg: Panadol or Nurofen (no script necessary), reserving the stronger medications for night time if needed.
Diet
You can commence eating on the day of surgery but you must avoid anything hot. You can begin with soft solid foods and plenty of fluids. Scrambled eggs, fish, mashed vegetables, yogurt is a good example. A soft diet is recommended until your mouth feels comfortable. Eating regularly is very important to avoid nausea caused by the medications. A nutrient rich diet will help you to feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster. Please see our recommended food list for more ideas.
Mouth Rinse and Oral Care
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Do not rinse your mouth on the evening of surgery. Begin normal tooth brushing and rinsing the day after surgery. Use Savacol Mouth Wash and dilute 1:1 with warm water. Rinse 3 times daily after meals and continue for up to one week after surgery.
Stitches will dissolve or come away approximately 5 to 12 days after surgery. Smoking prior to or after surgery will increase your risk of post operative complications such as infection.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Resting for at least five days after surgery is advisable to help keep swelling and bleeding to a minimum. Routine exercise can usually commence seven days after surgery.
