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After your implants are placed, it is important to follow these care instructions to allow proper healing in preparation for the next phase of treatment for your fixed-hybrid, or screw-retained denture.

If your doctor feels that the implants are stable enough to handle the force of biting, temporary abutments are secured into the implants and your temporary dentures will be secured to the abutments.

Immediately after your implant procedure, it’s important to listen and adhere to your doctor’s recovery instructions for the type of anesthetic used.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid excessive chewing, spitting, rinsing and physical activity. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, or a prescribed medication to help with any discomfort.

Be sure to drink lots of water, but don’t use a straw for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as suction could cause bleeding to occur.

Also, don’t smoke for at least a week, as this can also cause bleeding and hinder healing.

Swelling and bruising around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and side of the face is common and may peak two or three days after the procedure.

Ice packs can be used to help with swelling and after 24 hours you can gently rinse with warm salt water three times per day to reduce pain and swelling.

Propping up your head with pillows when lying down will aid both swelling and bleeding.

For the next ten days, you should eat soft foods that require minimal chewing and drink plenty of cool fluids.

Your doctor will monitor the healing process over the next few months, at which time you can begin the next phase of treatment for your screw-retained denture.

If your bite feels uneven, or if you experience persistent pain or bleeding outside of the norm after your implant procedure, it is important to contact your doctor’s office for assistance.

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the black tea helps to form a clot by contracting blood vessels. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove the immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical site. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.

For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol, or any similar medication; two tablets every 3 to 4 hours. Two to three tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken every 3 to 4 hours.

For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside after 2 days or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, make sure to finish your prescription unless you have an allergic reaction.

Read more: https://www.grandrapidsoralsurgery.com/surgical-instructions/multiple-extractions/

The Oral Cancer Foundation has declared April Oral Cancer Awareness Month. The doctors at the Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants recommend routine oral cancer screening for all patients. Oral cancer is not a rare disease. Approximately 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer every year in the US. It kills one person every hour of every day, and approximately 132 new individuals will be diagnosed with it each day. The good news is that it can often be found early in its development, through a simple, painless, and quick screening.