Care after Implant surgery and Bone augmentation
1. Keep fingers and tongue away from surgical area.
2. Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 12 hours, apply ice 20 minutes on - 10 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well.
3. For mild discomfort take Ibuprofen (Paracetamol if allergic) every three to four hours.
4. For severe pain use the prescription given to you.
5. Drink plenty of fluids.
6. If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at intervals will help relax the muscles. The use of warm, moist heat to the outside of your face beginning on the second day after surgery will further help with relaxation of the muscles.
7. Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
8. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area for 90 minutes, then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists call us on 07702433594.
9. Please do not smoke for at least 7 days after surgery.

A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal. Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. Avoid eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking. These activities may hinder proper healing in the first few hours. Immediately following procedure... begin taking medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal.

To control bleeding
Immediately following procedure: Keep a steady pressure over the surgical site. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a clot. Gently remove the compress after one hour. If bleeding persists, place another compress and again keep steady pressure on the area for one hour. Up to 24 hours after the surgery... some oozing of blood may persist. After bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene. To minimize swelling and discomfort.

Immediately following procedure: Apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 24 hours to help prevent development of excessive swelling and discomfort. If an ice bag is unavailable, simply fill a heavy plastic bag with crushed ice. Tie end securely and cover with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation. Frozen bags of peas make wonderful ice packs and can be refrozen and used repeatedly.

After 12 hours: It should not be necessary to continue with cold applications. You may expect swelling for 7-10 days and a fever of 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F.

If anti-inflammatory medication was prescribed by your doctor, begin taking the medication with food immediately after the procedure and continue as directed. Take the prescribed narcotic medication only if you experience significant pain. If you were not prescribed any anti- inflammatory medication and you do not have a known allergy to Aspirin or Ibuprofen (Motrin), you can take 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin) every six hours to control mild to moderate pain. Oral hygiene is important

24 hours after surgery: Rinse mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonful of salt dissolved in a large glass of warm water (tea temperature). Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris and thus helps promote healing. Brush tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down, but be careful not to touch the surgical site. Resume your regular tooth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical. Maintain a proper diet.

Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids - with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the blood clot. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as they are comfortable to chew.

In case of problems
If you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment call 01772-726932 or emergency number as given.

Remember your follow-up visit
You are scheduled to return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene, and call our office if you have any questions.

After Cosmetic Reconstruction
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Minimize foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom night guard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 01772 726932.