Patient Information - Post-Implant Surgery Information

Usually, you will be able to eat as soon as you leave the dentist.

Following implant surgery, the cost of your first appointment with the hygienist will ahve been included in your treatment plan. She will advise you on the care of your implants and will recommend tooth-brushing aids to ensure you maintain good oral hygiene.

How do I look after the implants?

For most implant-supported teeth, you will be able to clean around each supporting implant by brushing and flossing just the same way that you would around natural teeth and tooth-supported bridges. In some areas, special floss, inter-dental toothbrushes and other cleaning aids may be necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. Cleaning is not at all difficult provided that you do not have impaired use of your hands.

It is reasonable to expect some of the daily hygiene procedures to be a little more complex than around your original teeth. Equally expect to spend more time than you may have done in the past if you wish to maintain optimum implant health.

For the first few months the implants are in function, your dentist may ask that you are seen more frequently. However, if they are satisfied that your treatment is performing as planned, ongoing care will be similar to any patient with natural teeth. Regular examination and hygiene appointments are then all that will be required to maintain the health of the mouth, teeth and implants..

• Swelling and bruising often occurs and, on average, lasts 5-7 days. Applying ice packs to the jaw or cheek and resting will also help
• Bleeding does not usually occur. Sometimes a slight oozing may happen when the local anaesthetic wears off. If this does occur, then carefully apply firm pressure with a clean handkerchief (or swab) to the area for 10-15 minutes. Please avoid hot drinks and foods that may irritate the surgical area.
• Discomfort is always to be anticipated. You will be given advice and a prescription. Please take this to any pharmacy for the medicines to be dispensed.
• Antibiotics. A prescription is usually given to you following implant surgery (and sometimes also for 1 or 2 days before surgery).
• Stitches are usually of the dissolving type. Sometimes they are removed after 2-3 weeks if they have not already dissolved.
• Oral Hygiene. You will be given a mouthwash to use undiluted for the first 3-4 days. Avoid tooth brushing around the surgical site during this initial period. You can brush normally around the rest of your mouth. Use the mouthwash after meals; dilute it in an equal volume of water after the initial 3-4 days.
• Dentures. If you wear dentures you will be given instructions following the surgery to avoid damaging the healing incisions. They will require adjustment by your dentist before they can be worn, as the shape of your mouth will be different following surgery.
• A follow-up appointment is usually arranged 1-2 weeks after the date of the surgery. A date will then be arranged to carry out exposure of your implants 3-6 months later.
• Problems or Questions? Please phone 0131 445 1505 and leave a short message. We will return your call. Patients who have undergone implant surgery will also have the mobile phone number for W D Robertson.