WEST COUNTY Right after your placement of dental implants, you will experience bleeding, which is normal. Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs provided by Drs. Weber, Weber, Kincaid, and Carn. Do not change them for the first hour unless you continue bleeding heavily. In this case, replace the gauze every 30 minutes. It is best if you moisten the gauze and fluff it for more comfortable positioning. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend you take it easy for 48 to 72 hours after your procedure to allow the healing process to take place and to reduce after-surgery bleeding.
After bleeding has been controlled, drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too hot. Also, you may need to apply an ice pack to your face in 20-minute intervals for the following two days. If you received upper implants, do not blow your nose for two weeks.
For the first few days after surgery, you will feel slightly uncomfortable; by the third day, you should start feeling better. If your temperature is elevated a few degrees, that is expected after any surgery. Also, while you can eat when you are hungry, you should avoid eating on the side of surgery for the first week. Start with soft foods and work your way back to normal foods as tolerated. Absolutely no sharp or crunchy foods the first week (e.g. chips, nuts, popcorn, hard tacos).
It is very important to keep your mouth clean, but be gentle while cleaning around the surgical site. Salt water rinses are a gentle, effective way to help swelling and bleeding. Swish gently and allow the water to drip into the sink. You may do these rinses up to three times a day.
Activities need to be limited for the first 24 hours after surgery. Bending, lifting, or any other strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least three to four days after surgery to prevent swelling, bleeding, and pain.
If you have any questions or need to speak with one of our helpful dental team members at St. Louis County Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us. We hope you will have a pleasant experience when you visit us for oral and maxillofacial surgery in Chesterfield, St. Peters, and St. Louis, Missouri.