Please follow these instructions as closely as possible. They are designed to help you heal quickly, and comfortably, with minimal side effects. If you-experience any complications, please call our office. 

FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY:

1. Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.
   
2. Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup. Avoid spitting.
   
3. Do not smoke. Smoking can increase the chances of an infection.
4. Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.
   
5. Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing.
   
6. Spitting, the use of a straw, smoking, and poking can dislodge the blood clot that is forming, and will cause bleeding from the area.
   
7. Do Not Blow Your Nose 
   

Usually, upper posterior implants with less bony support need surgery near the sinus. In these cases, do not blow your nose for at least two weeks. If you have runny or stuffy nose, use a cold mediation for relief. If you snore, sleep with your head elevated. 

FOR BLEEDING:

Some minor bleeding is expected after implant surgery. It will usually subside quickly, and stop within an hour or two after surgery. A slight bleeding, oozing or redness is normal and may persist for several hours, Upper implants may occasionally trigger some bleeding from the nose, and this is normal and will stop quickly.

1. Keep gauze on the surgical area with some pressure for 30 to 45 minutes.
   
2. Remove the gauze after 30 to 45 minutes, and replace it with a new piece of gauze if you are still bleeding. It is important to make sure the gauze is directly on the surgical site. Firm pressure for another hour should stop the bleeding.
   
3. If you find that the bleeding has not decreased after 3-4 hours, use a moistened tea bag instead of the gauze. Bite on the dampened tea bag directly over the surgical site. The tannic acid in tea will help to form a clot, and stop the bleeding.
   
4. If everything fails, call us.

FOR SWELLING:

For most patients, the swelling may not appear immediately after surgery in the mouth. The swelling usually gets bigger after 2-3 day post surgery. It may last for several days to one week. It may be mild or severe, and is different for every patient. Some bruising may also develop on the face.

1. For first 3 hours, use an ice pack on the cheek or face next to the surgical site. Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then off for 10 minutes, and repeat.
   
2. Sleep with you head elevated slightly. This will keep swelling down.
   
3. On the third day, change to moist heat instead of ice packs. This will bring the swelling down quicker.

FOR PAIN:

1. Do not take the pain medication empty stomach.
   
2. Do not drive the automobile or operate machinery. The pain medication can make you drowsy.
   
3. Do not take alcoholic beverages with pain medication.
   
4. Pain or discomfort should subside more and more each day.
   
5. If the pain persists, it may require attention and you should contact the office immediately.

EATING & DIET:

Avoid eating hard & hot foods for the first 24hrs. Avoid spicy food items. Avoid grits and food that are very small that may get lodged at the surgical site. You may eat soft soft food as soon as the anaesthetic wears off. Try not to chew directly on the surgical site. You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel up to it. Please stay well nourished, and well hydrated, you will heal faster. 

BRUSHING & RINSING:

You may brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical area, either tonight, or tomorrow morning. Be gentle, and do not spit or rinse vigorously for first 24 hours. Start brushing the surgical area on the second day, and be very gentle on the stitches.

SUTURES:

In case of sutures, they will be removed after 7-10 days. It will be necessary to return to the office for sutures removal.

MEDICATIONS: