After Care

Temporary teeth are used to cover an implant and CANNOT be used like a regular tooth or like the final porcelain tooth that will be made for you once the implant is fully healed.

Using the temporary tooth will result in breakage and may cause the implant to loosen.

• Softer diet than normal

• No tearing foods

• No crunching food

Temporary teeth are used to cover an implant and CANNOT be used like a regular tooth.

Using the temporary tooth will result in breakage and may cause the implant to fail.

• Softer diet than normal

• No tearing foods

• No crunching food

Discomfort

You may experience mild to moderate pain after surgery for several days. By taking the prescribed medications as directed, your discomfort should be reduced. Under no circumstances should you take Aspirin for pain, since it encourages bleeding. Taking pain medication before pain starts is the most predictable way of having an uneventful and comfortable recovery.

Bleeding

It is normal to experience some amount of bleeding following a dental surgery. Anticipate some pink or straw colour fluid in your mouth (saliva mixed with the blood clot). You may want to place a towel over your pillow the night after surgery to protect your bed linen. Because blood mixes with saliva, it may appear to be of a greater volume than it really is.
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To manage post-operative bleeding, you should avoid:

1. Vigorous rinsing, spitting or using a straw for 24 hours.

2. Alcohol for at least 24 hours.

3. Smoking for at least 24 hours.

4. Vigorous exercise for 48 hours.

5. Eating hard or sharp foods that may further traumatize the wound.

If bleeding is not stopped by biting on wet gauze, apply pressure for 20 minutes with a wet tea bag.

Important: Use black tea only. Do not use herbal tea.

Swelling (Expect at least 48 hours of swelling)

You may experience mild to moderate swelling 2-3 days after surgery. Sleep with an extra pillow under your head for the first night. Some bruising (yellow/blue/purple) may occur and should not alarm you. You may also experience stiffness of the jaw which can be relieved by gentle opening and stretching after surgery.

Temperature

A mild temperature up to 380C is considered normal following surgery, and is a part of the healing process. It should respond to Tylenol. If your temperature is above 380C, or does not lower with Tylenol please contact your doctor.

Rest

After surgery, you should rest as much as possible for 1-2 days to allow your body to heal.

Maintaining a softer diet is highly recommended two weeks after surgery. You may eat as soon as the freezing wears off. It’s important to eat a well rounded diet as your body needs proteins, vitamins, minerals and calories to heal and fight infection. 500mg of vitamin C per day may also help.

Suggested Foods:

Overcooked pasta, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, Salmon, Tuna, scrambled eggs,  egg and/or tuna salad, yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, pudding, soups, lasagna, ground meat, crepes, pancakes

Foods to avoid:

Raw vegetables, steaks and tough meats, bagels and crusty breads, seeds, spicy foods, alcohol (first 48 hours)

Day of Surgery:

Avoid brushing your teeth. Occasional rinsing with salt water.

Day After Surgery and beyond:

Brush twice a day, avoiding the gums in the area of the surgery.  Be sure to get the bristles of your toothbrush onto the teeth themselves in order to keep them clean throughout the healing period.

Flossing everywhere EXCEPT in the area of the surgery until instructed to do so by your doctor.

Bring your mouth guard(s), Invisalign trays, denture(s), etc…to your surgery appointment and also to your next check-up appointment.

Your doctor may choose to place a pinkish-white dressing (“periodontal pack”)  over the treated area that appears like white bubble gum. Think of it like a bandage to protect the wound.  It is normal for this dressing to stay in your mouth for up to 2 weeks after surgery. It is normal for it to fall off in pieces or as a whole, a day or several days after surgery as well. Sutures (“stitches”) that are placed will typically dissolve on their own and become loose during the healing phase.

DO NOT pull your lips and cheeks to see what we have done after gum grafting.  This can injure the site of treatment.

Sinus Instructions (Only for those who have had a sinus lift)

• Do not blow your nose.
• Sneeze with your mouth open.
• Take a decongestant if you feel stuffed up.
• Do not bend over, keep your head above your shoulders.

During regular business hours, please call 416-929-9009 to speak with a trained staff member. After business hours / weekends, refer to your after-care instruction sheet for details on how to reach your doctor. For extreme emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.