Advice, medication and oral hygiene after dental implant placement

1. Prior to surgery

    
You may have a good meal before surgery .
    
Provide a cold pack for use when you get home .



2. Day of surgery

    
Before surgery you might need to take an analgesic ( ibuprofen 600 mg or other antiphlogistic medication).
    
You get a cold pack for immediate use.



3. After surgery


Please do not rinse with water or mouthwash (water dissolves the blood clot)
    
Use a straw to drink or make sure that food and drink does not come into contact with the wound
    
Avoid hot or cold drinks and food ( not too spicy or pungent )
    
In case of bleeding, use local pressure with a compress
    
Sit or rest rest with your head in an upright position .
Sleep with an extra pillow

Ice cooling:

    After surgery alternate 30 min with and 30 min without cooling. The first day is important, then it should be used  for comfort.



Medication :

    
Antibiotics should be used for at least 5 days
    
Pain relief : alternate use of ibuprofen and paracetamol every 3 hours is recommended
        
Use ibuprofen 600 mg ( 3 per day for 3 days)
and  paracetamol 500 mg (max 6 per day )    

Mouth wash : use only from the 2nd day. You may also use carbonated water .


4. Postoperative inconveniences

    
After surgery, a heavy swelling can occur which is worse after the 2nd day and spontaneously disappears from the 5th day. Discoloration of the cheek may occur.

The information listed above is the opinion of the doctors of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, AZ Sint Jan Bruges, Belgium and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the specialty as a whole.