Pre-Treatment Info:

• If you were prescribed medication for your surgery, start as directed the day before your surgery.
• Bring all medications we prescribed to your appointment.
• Do not drink liquids immediately prior to your appointment, especially those containing caffeine.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Do not wear make-up.
• If you are having oral sedation for your surgery, you should bring someone with you to take you home after the surgery.

Post-Treatment Info:

After implants have been placed, it’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure their long-term success.

• Avoid tobacco products for at least 48–72 hours. Smoking can be a high risk factor for post-operative inflammation or infection, which could lead to loss of your implant!
• After surgery, begin very gentle warm salt water rinses (1 tsp. of salt for every 8 oz. of warm water). This should be done three or four times daily to help clean and soothe the tissue at the surgery site.
• If we recommended a mouth rinse, use as directed. Do not use any other type of mouthwash for at least one week. Rinsing with mouthwash can be overly stringent and drying to the tissue, which can inhibit healing.
• You can brush your teeth the day of surgery, but avoid the area of the implant. Do not floss the site for four weeks. You can brush and floss other teeth normally.
• To reduce discomfort or swelling for the first 24 hours following surgery, use ice packs (20 minutes on/20 minutes off).
• If an antibiotic or other medications were prescribed, it is very important to finish the complete course of your medication. If you experience any problem with your medication or if you develop a fever or chills, contact our office right away.
• Avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off completely. For the first 24 hours, drink lots of liquids and eat soft, nutritious foods. Avoid chewing in the area until we evaluate your situation to determine how soon you can chew on the implant. Also avoid anything that is hard, crunchy, chewy, or small. These types of foods can be damaging to the surgery area and interfere with healing.