Aftercare

Advice following implant surgery

Follow these simple guidelines after implant surgery:

Take it easy today!

  • Not too much exercise and no heavy lifting

Caring for the Surgical Wound

  • Eat on the opposite side to avoid disturbing the wound.

  • Avoid pulling or stretching the soft tissue to inspect the wound.

  • When rinsing, be gentle to prevent disrupting the healing tissue.

Warm salt water rinses, starting the day after surgery, can help keep the area clean. Use a teaspoon of salt in a mug of warm water and gently swish it around the surgical site three times a day.

Managing Pain and Swelling

  • Pain relief works best when taken before discomfort begins. We recommend:

    • Paracetamol: 2 tablets, up to 4 times a day (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours).

    • For more involved surgeries, Ibuprofen may be alternated with Paracetamol every 2 hours.

  • A cold ice pack applied gently to the area can reduce swelling and provide soothing relief.

What to Expect

  • Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, but this is not a cause for concern.

Complications Following Implant Surgery

While most patients experience little or no discomfort, occasional minor post-surgical complications can occur:

Bleeding

  • A small amount of bleeding is normal and can appear more dramatic when mixed with saliva.

  • To manage bleeding, apply moist gauze with firm pressure for 10 minutes.

Pain

  • Some discomfort is unusual but manageable with Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or a cold pack applied to the area.

Swelling

  • Minor swelling is natural and temporary.

If you experience significant bleeding that does not respond to local measures, protracted pain that worsens, or swelling that causes concern, please contact the practice immediately. These symptoms are rare and usually respond well to advice and care.

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