After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, follow the personalized postoperative instructions provided by our team. Avoid disturbing the wound, rinsing vigorously, spitting, or touching the surgical area on the day of surgery. Depending on your procedure, a healing abutment may extend above the gum tissue.

Bleeding

Some minor bleeding or blood-tinged saliva may occur after surgery. Follow the instructions provided for applying gauze and pressure to the area. If your mouth fills rapidly with blood or bleeding does not improve with the recommended measures, contact our office promptly for instructions.

Swelling

Swelling can occur after surgery. Follow our team’s instructions for using a cold pack, including how often to apply it and when to take breaks. Place a cloth between the cold pack and your skin.

Diet

Drink fluids and choose soft foods as directed by your treating team. Avoid hot foods and drinks while your mouth is numb. Your diet restrictions will depend on the procedure and whether a temporary restoration was placed. Follow your personalized instructions before returning to normal chewing.

Questions About Discomfort or Medication

Pain management is determined individually based on your procedure, medical history, and current medications. Follow the instructions provided by Dr. Strickland. For guidance about discomfort or medication, contact Gateway Dental Columbus at (812) 370-0019.

If pain is severe, worsening, or not controlled by your prescribed care plan, contact our office for an evaluation and further instructions.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed. Contact our office if you have questions or experience a suspected medication reaction.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene supports healing. Follow our team’s instructions about when to begin gentle rinsing and how to clean around the surgical area, healing abutments, or temporary restoration.

Continue cleaning the rest of your mouth carefully. Avoid vigorous rinsing or brushing directly over the wound until directed by your treating team. If you are unsure how to clean a particular area, contact our office for guidance.

Activity

Keep physical activity to a minimum immediately after surgery and follow the activity restrictions provided by our team. If activity causes throbbing or bleeding, stop and rest. Resume exercise according to your postoperative instructions.

Questions About Your Recovery

If you have questions about healing, diet, oral hygiene, or returning to your normal activities, call Gateway Dental Columbus at (812) 370-0019. Your personalized postoperative instructions should guide your care.