Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure.

Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the implant will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke chemicals in your body.

Medication has been prescribed according to your anticipated level of discomfort. If you have no medical contraindications and you are healthy enough to take Ibuprofen (Motrin), you may take 800mg every 6 hours beginning the day of your surgery and continue taking them along with Tylenol 1000mg (2 over-the-counter tablets) alternating every 3 hours. Continue this cycle for 3-5 days. If you are not able to tolerate pain levels you may add in the prescribed medication for break-through pain. Discontinue the use of Tylenol while taking the prescribed pain medication. Do not exceed the prescribed or recommended dosages of your medications, as this can lead to overdose, organ damage, or even death. If the pain increases in severity or does not decrease after 4 or 5 days, please call our office.

This is most often caused by taking pain prescriptions on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pill with soft food, and taking the pill with a larger glass of water.

Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.

The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave our office. Be careful not to bite, chew, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the implant procedure causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.

Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush our teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery of 3 days.

Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after your procedure. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution; avoid commericial mouth rinses. You may be instructed to use a prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Eat soft, cool foods for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first 2 days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.

If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take them all as directed until they are all gone. Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birch control methods for two months.

If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing any wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.

You will need to return to our office within 1-2 weeks to have the site evaluated, sutures removed or just for a brief follow-up check. Other follow-up appointments will take place as well during the healing phase. You are always welcome to schedule additional appointments should you have any questions or concerns.