Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues a slightly moistened dark tea bag can be placed on the wound for 30 minutes.
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack, or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice, as much as possible, for the first 36-48 hours.
Drink plenty of fluids. 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.
You should begin taking pain medication before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For mild - moderate pain, Ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin) may be taken. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. If you are allergic to or can not take Ibuprofen, 1-2 tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours.
Be sure to take the 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, the Peridex should be used 2-3 times daily, especially after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a 1/2 cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth is OK but avoid brushing the surgical site for several days. You will be instructed to brush the healing abutments generally after the first post-operative appointment. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.
The wearing of partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures will be discussed immediately after surgery.