After dental implant surgery, avoid disturbing the wound. Skip rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gum tissue; keeping it clean is important for proper healing. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes.

Managing Swelling and Diet

Swelling is normal after surgery. Apply an ice bag or a plastic bag filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain Management and Oral Hygiene

Begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, one or two Tylenol tablets may be taken every 3 to 4 hours. Ibuprofen may be taken instead of Tylenol. Two to three tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3,200 mg daily for an adult. Take prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, Peridex should be used twice daily. Warm salt water rinses should be used at least four to five times a day, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments, being gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas. Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery.