To help you recover quickly and avoid complications in your healing process following implant placement in Arleta, CA, our dentist and team recommend that you follow your post-op care instructions as closely as possible. These guidelines are designed to promote healing, reduce discomfort and prevent infection so that your implant can successfully integrate with the jawbone and support a lasting restoration.

Immediate Care After Your Procedure

  • Do not rinse your mouth, spit or use a straw for the remainder of the day. These actions can disturb the surgical site and interfere with the formation of a proper blood clot.
  • Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers.
  • Keep your head elevated and rest with minimal physical activity for the first 24 hours.

Pain & Medication Management

  • Take prescribed medications, including antibiotics and mouthrinses, exactly as directed.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen may also be used to manage discomfort.
  • Refrain from taking aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.

Oral Hygiene & Rinsing

  • Starting the day after your procedure, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater every two to three hours. Use a half-teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water. Continue this routine for the first few days, then reduce to rinsing after meals and before bedtime for two weeks.
  • Resume brushing your teeth the next day, but avoid brushing the implant site for several days to allow initial healing.

Swelling & Bleeding

  • Swelling is common and typically peaks within the first 48 hours. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your face in 15-minute intervals to reduce inflammation.
  • After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to help alleviate swelling.
  • Minor bleeding or oozing may occur and can be controlled by gently biting down on gauze.
  • If bleeding persists, please contact our office.

Diet & Activity

  • Stick to a soft diet for the first several days. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy or sticky foods. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid using a straw.
  • Gradually return to your regular diet as comfort permits.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco in any form, as it impairs healing and can cause implant failure.

Other Important Instructions

  • If you have a temporary crown or abutment in place, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you receive further instructions.
  • Do not wear removable appliances, such as dentures or partials, unless our dentist has approved them.
  • Keep your lips moisturized to prevent drying and cracking during recovery.
  • If you notice that the healing abutment or cover screw has become loose or fallen out, call our office immediately. Bring the component with you so we can replace it promptly.
  • If you are taking oral contraceptives and have been prescribed antibiotics, use an additional method of birth control during your course of medication.

Please contact United Family Dental Group at 818-899-9999 with any questions or concerns or to schedule a follow-up with Dr. Simon Imanuel. We are here to support you throughout your healing process after you receive dental implants in Arleta, CA.