Implant Care

I. Mandatory Hygiene & Maintenance

The success of the dental implant is contingent upon strict adherence to the following sanitation protocols. Failure to maintain the surgical site may result in peri-implantitis and subsequent fixture loss.

• Post-Prandial Cleansing: The surgical site must be cleaned following the consumption of any food or beverage (excluding plain water).

• Mechanical Debridement: Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently debride the area. Do not disturb or pull on sutures.

• Chemical Adjuncts: Apply Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Peridex) as directed using a sterile cotton swab (Q-tip).

• Alternative Cleansing: If primary hygiene tools are unavailable, use a damp, sterile gauze or cotton swab to remove debris.

• Saline Irrigation: Rinse with a warm saline solution ($1/2$ tsp salt per 8 oz water). Caution: Perform gravity-dependent rinsing only; avoid forceful "swishing" or expectoration (spitting) for the first 72 hours.

II. Site Protection & Mechanical Stability

• Non-Interference: Do not palpate or disturb the surgical site with fingers, tongue, or foreign objects.

• Dietary Restrictions: Maintain a soft-food diet. Mastication (chewing) should be performed exclusively on the side contralateral to the surgical site to prevent micro-motion of the implant.

III. Clinical Timeline & Expectations

• Primary Intention (Soft Tissue): Gingival healing typically occurs within 7–10 days.

• Secondary Intention (Osseointegration): The biological fusion of the implant to the alveolar bone requires approximately 6 months.

IV. Complication Monitoring

Patients must monitor for clinical signs of infection or hardware rejection, including:

• Localized erythema (redness) or edema (swelling) beyond the 4th postoperative day.

• Purulent discharge (pus) or persistent pyrexia (fever).

• Unusual warmth or persistent, throbbing pain at the site.

V. Contraindications to Healing

• Vasoconstrictors & Toxins: Tobacco use and alcohol consumption significantly impair revascularization and are leading causes of implant failure.

• Pharmacological Compliance: All prescribed antibiotics and analgesics must be taken to completion as directed.

VI. Long-Term Maintenance Requirement

Regular professional prophylaxis is mandatory. Patients must schedule a professional implant examination and cleaning every three (3) months. These visits are critical for monitoring bone levels and gingival health.

VII. Disclosure of Risk and Financial Responsibility

Notice of Informed Consent & Limited Warranty:

Dental implant surgery is a biological procedure with no guaranteed outcome. While clinical success rates are high, biological failure (non-integration) can occur due to systemic health factors, hygiene lapses, or idiopathic reasons.

1. Service vs. Result: The fee paid covers the surgical skill, materials, and placement of the implant. It does not constitute a "guaranteed" outcome or a lifetime warranty.

2. Failure Protocols: In the event of implant failure (loss of integration), the removal and/or replacement of the fixture will incur additional professional fees.

3. Liability: Failure to comply with the above protocols, including the 3-month maintenance interval, may void any existing clinical warranties or considerations.

Acknowledgment: By proceeding with treatment and following these instructions, the patient acknowledges the risks and accepts responsibility for the post-operative maintenance of the prosthetic device.