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Post-Op Care for Your Dental Implant

  • Control bleeding with gauze and light pressure for 30 minutes after your procedure. Avoid removing the gauze during that time. The appearance of blood is normal for in the hours following your procedure.
  • Avoid smoking after your procedure for at least one week. The suction can dislodge the clot and you may also be susceptible to “dry socket.”
  • Reduce your pain with over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, non-aspirin pain relievers) every 3 to 4 hours until bedtime.
  • Use prescribed pain medication as needed and with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.
  • Avoid alcohol if taking any prescribed pain medication.
  • Apply an ice-bag to the facial area of your procedure in 15 minute increments for the first day following your procedure.
  • Expect numbness to last for a few hours following the procedure. Avoid chewing or biting until the anesthesia wears off.  It’s common following an implant procedure to experience residual numbness or tingling for six weeks.
  • Eat soft foods for the first 2 to 4 days, maintain a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
  • Avoid chewing directly on the area of your procedure.
  • Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after treatment. Brush gently for the next 3 days.
  • Avoid all rinsing or swishing for the first 24 hours to prevent dislodging the clot, increase bleeding, creating a dry socket.

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