Important Information About Dental Implants: Before, During, and After the Procedure

1.1. Before Surgery

• Please inform your treating doctor of any specific health conditions you may have.
• Refrain from smoking for 2 weeks prior to your implant placement.
• Maintain thorough oral hygiene (brush your teeth at least twice a day and clean between your teeth with dental floss). You may need treatment for any existing oral health issues such as tartar removal, periodontitis, or gingivitis.
• Take prophylactic antibiotics as prescribed by your treating doctor.

1.2. After Surgery

• Immediately following implant placement, do not rinse your mouth with salt water or any chemical solutions, and avoid excessive spitting.
• You may experience mild, dull pain for 1-2 days after implant surgery. A small number of patients may experience mild swelling of the lip or cheek. For 3 consecutive days, apply cold compresses to the outside of your lip or cheek corresponding to the implant site. Do not use warm compresses.
• You can eat normally, ensuring you get enough nutrition. Avoid chewing very hard foods and prevent sharp objects or fish bones from coming into contact with the implant area.
• Maintain oral hygiene after eating, making sure no food debris remains around the implant site. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use dental floss to clean between your teeth. You may also use a mouthwash with an appropriate concentration of Chlorhexidine to help the surgical site heal.
• Do not push your tongue against the surgical area or try to wipe away any white coating on the wound.
• Limit strenuous activity for the first 48 hours.
• Do not smoke for 2-4 weeks after implant placement.
• Take all medications as prescribed by your treating doctor.
• If you feel any discomfort or obstruction, please return to the dental center for adjustments. Delaying this could lead to damage to the porcelain crown and the implant in your jawbone.
• If you experience any unusual issues such as excessive bleeding or severe pain, please call your doctor immediately or return to the dental center.
• Maintain regular check-ups with your dentist every 6 months for examination and routine oral care.

a) For Sinus Lift and Bone Graft Procedures:

• On the first day after surgery, apply an ice pack to the outside of the surgical area (15 minutes on, 5 minutes off, repeat cycle).
• In the following days, you will likely experience mild swelling in the surgical area. Use a warm water bottle externally on the surgical area (ensure the water is not too hot to avoid burns). Alternating between cold and warm compresses as described above helps to reduce swelling and pain quickly and promotes good healing.
• Eat soft, easily digestible foods and use a straw to drink.
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
• Brush your teeth gently in the areas away from the surgical site.
• Rinse your mouth gently with Kin Gingival or Eludril (prepare according to the instructions on the packaging). Rinse for 30-60 seconds immediately after eating. After 2 weeks, you can rinse with a 0.9% saline solution.
• Your stitches will be removed after 10 days.
• The use of your old dentures must be reviewed by the surgeon and may require adjustments before you can wear them.
• Avoid the following for 15 to 20 days after surgery:
  • Spitting and forcefully blowing your nose.
  • Sneezing and loud talking.
  • Strenuous activities such as playing sports, exercising, running, heavy lifting, or air travel.

b) For Fixed Implant Prostheses:

• Maintain careful oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. Using a water flosser correctly is highly recommended.
• For porcelain crowns, avoid chewing very tough and hard foods.
• Avoid habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth.

c) For Removable Implant Prostheses:

• In the initial days of wearing removable dentures, you may experience discomfort due to unfamiliarity, irritation, and soreness. Please inform your doctor so they can help you address these issues. Sometimes, multiple follow-up visits may be necessary to alleviate the discomfort.
• Use your hands to insert the denture into the correct position in your mouth. Avoid biting down if it’s not properly seated, as this can warp or damage the denture.
• Avoid dropping, bending, or attempting to adjust the denture yourself.
• Never soak or rinse the denture with hot water.
• Clean your denture regularly.