Post-Operative Instructions:
Dental Implants

Not all of the instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office for clarification.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER THE IMPLANT SURGERY:

• Eat a liquid diet for the first 6 hours following the surgery unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Avoid strenuous work or exercise (heavy lifting, jogging, tennis, aerobics, and sit-ups) for at least 1 week after surgery.
• Apply ice to the face to reduce swelling the day of surgery.
• Apply gauze directly over the surgical area and bite gently to stop bleeding if instructed by your doctor.
• Take prescribed medications as instructed by your doctor and finish the antibiotic course.
• Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest during the first 48 hours.
• Elevate the head with 2–3 for pillows the first 48 hours, including nighttime.
• Maintain good nutrition during the healing period.
• By the seventh day, start gentle brushing of implants. (This will be reviewed with you at your post-op appointment.)

NOTE: Sutures may come out with gentle brushing, and a small amount of bleeding is normal.

THINGS TO AVOID AFTER SURGERY:

• Do not smoke after surgery. (Smoking hinders the healing process and can cause complications leading to failure of the implants and bone grafts.)
• No consumption of alcoholic beverages for a period of 2 weeks after the implant surgery.
• Avoid chewing hard food for a period of 6 months after the implant surgery.
• Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical site.

ABNORMAL HEALING:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fever in excess of 101°F
• Allergic reactions to prescribed medications
• Persistent severe pain

LIST OF RECOMMENDED FOOD:

Please note that patients who are prepared for their implant surgery usually have a smoother, faster recovery. We advise the patient to plan ahead and buy some soft food items before surgery.

On the day of surgery, you should start with clear fluids (juice, broth, tea, Jell-O^®) and progress slowly to more substantial foods. Remember that it is important to maintain nutrition for optimal healing recovery.

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXAMPLES OF SOFT FOOD ITEMS:

• Hearty Soups (cream of asparagus, lentil, minestrone, split pea)
• Juices (cranberry, apple, grape)
• Herbal Tea Yogurt (soft or frozen)
• Cottage Cheese
• Pudding, Custard, Jell-O
• Soft Fruit (bananas, papaya, berries, canned peaches or pears)
• Applesauce
• Popsicles
• Ice Cream, Milkshakes
• Fresh Cooked Vegetables (steamed/overcooked)
• Fruit Smoothies, Protein Shakes
• Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat
• Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled, omelet, egg salad)
• Mashed Potatoes
• Rice, Risotto, Polenta
• Tofu
• Pasta (plain or with sauce)
• Fish (soft white fish, sole, trout snapper)

AVOID THE FOLLOWING FOODS FOR THE FIRST 7 DAYS AFTER SURGERY:

• Citrus Juice
• Spicy Foods
• Foods That Are Difficult to Chew
• Popcorn, Chips, and Nuts (avoid for a month)
• French Bread Loaves and Baguettes
• Alcoholic Beverages

Rest and relax for the first few days, catch up on unseen movies, and have a relaxing recovery!