After placement of a dental implant, here's what to expect and how to take care of the site.
To optimize your implant result, we recommend you supplement with Vitamin D and K3. These vitamins help the bone surrounding the implant make the best seal against the implant. Minnesotans are often vitamin D deficit, especially during winter, and this state may decrease implant success.
Get ahead of your pain by taking the recommended pain medication within an hour of arriving home.
For moderate pain, a combination of Tylenol and Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) is typically enough to prevent significant discomfort. Most individuals fair well on 1 Extra Strength Tylenol and 2 Ibuprofen (200 mg) every 4 hours. You should not take Ibuprofen if you are pregnant or on any blood thinners.
For severe pain, we may prescribe pain medication that may make you groggy and slow down your reflexes. The prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not operate motor-vehicles or work around machinery while on this medication. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Pain after tooth extraction typically lasts 4-5 days. If the pain does not show signs of resolution after day 5, it may require attention, and we recommend you call our office.
A certain amount of bleeding is expected after surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the salvia is common, and bleeding may look worse than it is when it mixes with saliva. Excessive bleeding is controlled with pressure and gauze in a firm bite. To minimize bleeding further, sit upright and avoid vigorous activity. If bleeding continues after several 30-minute bites on gauze, place a black tea bag over the extraction site and bite down. If bleeding still does not subside, call for further instructions.
Swelling is a frequent occurrence after any surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or frozen pea bag, wrapped in a towel to the cheek in the area of surgery. In intervals, apply the bag for 20 minutes, and then remove for 20 minutes.
We recommend you drink plenty of fluids, avoid hard food, and hot liquids 48 hours after surgery. Avoid crunchy foods such as nuts, chips, candy, carrots, and popcorn for one month after implant placement.
Good oral hygiene is an essential part of overall health. Please brush around the implant surgery site, but if stitches were placed, do not brush over the site for at least four days to allow for healing. Gently brushing your teeth and healing abutment after four days with a manual toothbrush is recommended. The day after surgery, if you were prescribed chlorhexidine rinse, it should be used twice daily.
Keep physical activities to a minimum for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that if the surgery was extensive, you are likely not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and limit your ability to exercise.
I had a horrible experience at another place and was scared to get this tooth pulled. I can't say enough good about this place. They were kind, caring, patient and quick. I felt NO pain!! Thank you so much for restoring my faith in dentists!
Very professional and great place to get your wisdom teeth taken out, I was so nervous but the doctors made me feel calm and at ease! I didn't even know it was already over with. Recommend going here!
What an amazing experience, even with a teen who has a lot of anxiety! I took two of my kids in at once to get their wisdom teeth extracted and it was so much easier than I thought it would be. My 15 year old has a lot of anxiety and was expecting me to be with her the whole way. Instead with a cheerleader assistant and a smile on her face my daughter went in on her own and felt comfortable the entire time. Dr. Bennett Isabella and ALL of the professional staff at Mn Dental Surgery were fantastic! I would highly recommend them, you won't be disappointed.
