Legacy Surgery

Post-Op Instructions

After Placement of Dental Implants

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 in some instances.

Bleeding

REMOVE ALL GAUZE PACKS 20 TO 30 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING THE OFFICE OR UPON ARRIVING HOME. PLACE ANOTHER STERILE GAUZE PACK ONLY IF THE BLEEDING CONTINUES. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following the surgery. Coloring of the saliva with blood is normal for a few days following the surgery. If the bleeding continues after a reasonable period of time, place a sterile gauze pack (folded into a 1-inch square) DIRECTLY OVER THE BLEEDING AREA AND BITE DOWN FIRMLY FOR 20 MINUTES. Repeat as necessary using gauze or wet teabags wrapped in gauze. DO NOT USE COTTON OR FACIAL TISSUE. If bleeding is excessive, sit in a relaxed position, with your head up, and place the ice packs externally over the operated area. DO NOT SPIT FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS.

Medications

Obtain prescriptions immediately. Take the prescribed medications as indicated by the directions on the bottle. Take the antibiotic prescription until all of the pills have been consumed. Use the prescribed pain medication (analgesic) only as necessary, substituting with Tylenol or other mild analgesics if they bring adequate relief. All pain medications should be taken with milk or after eating. The prescribed pain medication may cause nausea and constipation. DO NOT CONSUME ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR DRIVE AN AUTOMOBILE WHEN TAKING PRESCRIBED PAIN MEDICATION.

Ice Packs

Use ice packs on the operated areas (externally) for the first 24 hours. Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. Do not use ice packs after the first postoperative day unless so advised.

Diet

Start with foods that are soft (Jell-O, mashed potatoes, pudding, etc.). Once the numbness has resolved then you may eat any food which can be chewed and successfully swallowed. DRINK PLENTY OF LIQUIDS. Avoid hot foods and hot liquids for 3 to 4 days.

Oral Hygiene

Rigorous mouthwashing may stimulate bleeding. Therefore, DO NOT RINSE THE MOUTH FOR AT LEAST 6 HOURS FOLLOWING SURGERY. You may then gently rinse the mouth with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt to an 8 ounce glass of warm water) or a diluted mouthwash 4-5 times a day for several days. If bleeding continues, stop all mouth rinsing and follow the instructions regarding bleeding. The teeth should be brushed with toothpaste. Good oral hygiene will reduce the possibility of infection.

Oral Hygiene - Wisdom Teeth

WISDOM TEETH: STARTING ON THE FIFTH DAY, use the syringe to irrigate the lower sockets 2-3 times a day with warm salt water until the holes are completely closed. If bleeding continues, stop all mouth rinsing and follow the instructions regarding bleeding. The teeth should be brushed with toothpaste. Good oral hygiene will reduce the possibility of infection.

Activity

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 and apply gauze to the area for 20-30 minutes. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking on normal nourishment or fluids. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise, so be careful when first engaging in any form of exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation. There may be exceptions to this rule; this should be taken up with Dr. Kesecker at the pre-operative consult period.

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