After your dental implant placement procedure in Boise, Idaho, Dr. Gregory Davis and our team will provide you with post-op instructions. These instructions are designed to help you recover quickly and avoid complications. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a follow-up appointment with our dentist, please contact State Street Dental at 208-939-1700.
Day of Procedure:
- Rest: Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous activities to help minimize bleeding and discomfort.
- Do Not Rinse: Do not rinse your mouth, spit or use a straw for the rest of the day. This can disrupt the blood clot that forms at the surgical site.
Day After Procedure:
- Rinsing: Begin rinsing with warm saltwater every two to three hours. Mix a half-teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water. Continue this for several days. Then, rinse after meals and at bedtime for two weeks.
- Medications: Use prescribed medications, antibiotics and mouth rinses as directed.
- Pain Management: Use mild pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
Oral Hygiene:
- Brushing: You may start brushing your teeth the day after the procedure, but avoid the surgical site for several days to prevent irritation.
- Temporary Crown: If a temporary crown was placed, do not bite down on it until our dentist gives you permission.
Denture and Oral Appliances:
- Denture Use: Do not wear your denture, partial denture or any other oral appliance until we give you permission.
Swelling and Bruising:
- Ice Application: You will likely experience some swelling. Apply ice or cold compresses to the side of your face at 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, switch to heat and continue applying heat until the swelling diminishes.
- Lip Care: Keep your lips moist with lip balm or Vaseline to prevent cracking.
Activity Restrictions:
- Machinery: Do not operate machinery or drive for at least 12 hours following your procedure.
- Smoking: Do not smoke or use tobacco products, as they can cause your implants to fail.
Other Considerations:
- Implant Components: If the cover screw or healing abutment of your implant falls out, call our office immediately so that we can replace it. Bring the loosened component with you.
- Birth Control: If you use oral contraceptives and have been prescribed an antibiotic, use an alternate method of birth control until you have completed your course of antibiotics.
If you have any questions or concerns about your postoperative care, please contact our office to speak with a member of our team or schedule an appointment with us. Your smooth recovery is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.