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FIRST 24 HOURS (CRITICAL PERIOD)

Bleeding

• Bite firmly on gauze for 30–60 minutes

• Minor oozing is normal for up to 24 hours

• If bleeding persists: place fresh gauze and apply pressure

• Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw

Swelling

• Apply ice packs (20 min on / 20 min off) for first 24–48 hours

• Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours

Pain Control

• Take prescribed medications as directed

• Typical regimen (if prescribed):

  • Ibuprofen 600–800 mg every 6–8 hours

  • +/- additional prescribed medication

• Stay ahead of pain — do not wait until severe

DIET

• First 24 hours: soft, cool foods only

  • Yogurt, smoothies (NO STRAW), mashed potatoes, eggs

• Avoid:

  • Hot foods

  • Crunchy/hard foods

  • Seeds, nuts, chips

• Do NOT chew on implant site

ORAL HYGIENE

• Do NOT brush surgical area for first 24 hours

• After 24 hours:

  • Gentle brushing around area

  • Warm salt water rinses (2–3x/day)

• Avoid aggressive rinsing

ACTIVITY

• Rest for first 24 hours

• Avoid:

  • Heavy lifting

  • Exercise

  • Bending over

• Increased activity = increased bleeding

SMOKING / ALCOHOL (HIGH FAILURE RISK)

🚫 NO smoking or vaping for at least 7–10 days (ideally 2+ weeks)
🚫 Avoid alcohol while healing

Smoking significantly increases risk of:

• Implant failure

• Infection

• Poor healing

SUTURES

• Sutures may dissolve on their own

• If non-resorbable, removal will be scheduled

WHAT TO EXPECT

Normal:

• Mild to moderate pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Limited opening

WARNING SIGNS – CALL IMMEDIATELY

📞 Dentist's Emergency Cell-Obtain prior to surgery

• Severe or worsening pain after 3–4 days

• Excessive swelling or spreading infection

• Fever

• Pus or foul taste

• Implant feels loose

• Uncontrolled bleeding

MEDICATIONS

Take all prescribed medications as directed, including:

• Antibiotics (if prescribed — complete full course)

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Pain medication

IMPLANT HEALING PHASE

• Initial healing: 1–2 weeks

• Bone integration (osseointegration): 3–6 months

• Avoid pressure on implant during healing phase

FOLLOW-UP

You MUST return for:

• Post-op evaluation

• Suture removal (if applicable)

• Implant check and restoration planning

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Failure to follow post-operative instructions may result in:

• Implant failure

• Infection

• Need for additional surgery