|
 |
|
 |
Proper care following oral implant surgery can reduce complications, and speed the healing of the surgical area.
DISCOMFORT--- take the prescribed medication for pain within an hour after completion of the surgery. Do not try to drive a car or work with dangerous machinery. It is best to take pain medication with milk or juice, not on a completely empty stomach. If there are additional medications that have been prescribed for you, take them as directed.
DO NOT RINSE--- or use mouthwash for the remainder of today. Starting the day after surgery, you should rinse with:- warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon `salt in one glass water) every 1 to 2 hours for several days. Avoid peroxide, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and smoking for at least 24 hours.
BLEEDING--- slight seeping is to be expected for at least the first 12 hours. If heavy persisting bleeding occurs, clear away large clots and attempt to locate the source. First use an ice cold solution of salt water or strong tea held in the mouth for a minute or two, repeating several times. If bleeding persists after 10 to 15 minutes, follow these instructions:
1. Lie down in a comfortable position, propped up by pillows in a thirty degree angle.
2. Hold a moist tea bag as a compress, gently but firmly against the site of the bleeding. Avoid disturbing or moving the compress for at least ten minutes.
3. If significant bleeding persists, call for instructions.
We suggest that you sleep on an extra pillow for the first night or two. Place some sort of cover over the pillow to prevent staining in the event.
of any oozing during sleep.
SWELLING--- some swelling and even discoloration (bruising) can be expected -and usually disappears within 4 or 5 days. To control the swelling, apply an ice pack to the area--- 20 minutes on and 20 minutes
off--- for the first 24 hours. Small ziplock bags filled with crushed
ice make good ice packs. Protect the skin from frostbite by placing one layer of hand towel between ice bag and face. If swelling persists on day after surgery, apply a heating pad--- 20 minutes on and 20 minutes
off.
.
|
