Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, minor bleeding and bruising is common after your implant surgery. We recommend following the provided instructions to minimise these issues.

Take your medications

Take your pain medications within 1-2 hours of procedure, then 4-6 hourly for the firstday and the day after surgery. We recommend a combination of ibuprofen (eg. Nurofen, Advil) and paracetamol or paracetamol/codeine combinations (eg. Panadol, Panadeine). These can be taken together for increased effect. Avoid aspirin for pain relief as it may promote bleeding. Analgesics may be required during the first 2 weeks.

If you were prescribed antibiotics, please take these as instructed.

Cold packs for swelling

Swelling can be reduced with the use of ice packs over the face - apply 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for 1 hour, 3 times a day for the first 4 days.

Food & drink

• Avoid eating, or hot foods/liquids until the numbness goes away. Do not chew on the implant. Eat soft foods (eg. fish, pasta, chicken) on the opposite side from the area of surgery. Hot (temperature) or spicy foods should be avoided during this time.
• Avoid disturbing the surgical areas as the tissues are very delicate for the first few days.
• Do not smoke for as long as possible and avoid alcohol for the first 5 days.

Caring for the site

Get plenty of rest for the first 2-3 days - this will help healing and prevent disturbance of the surgical site. For the first day, try to rest or lay with your head up. Ensure no vigorous exercise or activities for the first 24 hours.

No brushing or flossing around the surgical site for the first 2 weeks. Areas away from the surgical site can be cleaned normally.

Use the chlorhexidine mouth wash (Savacol) for 3 weeks after implant placement. Use the mouthwash twice a day before brushing, holding the rinse in for 1 minute. Salt water mouth rinses may also be used to clear food particles.

For upper jaw implants

Do not blow your nose hard. If you have to cough or sneeze, do it with your mouth open to avoid pressure building in the sinus. Do this for 3 weeks. Clear exudate dripping from the nose on the side where the implant is placed is normal for a few days.

Denture/temporary prosthetic replacements

Whenever possible, avoid using temporary prosthesis/denture. Do not sleep with the prosthesis/denture in the mouth. Keeping the denture/prosthesis out of the mouth will enhance healing of the surgical site.

If you have any further questions or concerns after your surgery, make sure you get in touch with us to ensure that the post-surgery healing goes as well as possible.

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