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Dental Implants Discharge Instructions


About this topic


A dental implant is a metal device that is most often titanium. It is placed in or on your jawbone during a surgery. The implant can support and hold a false tooth in place. Dental implants will last a long time if cared for properly. ‚  
Your dentist may suggest a dental implant to replace one or more of your missing natural teeth. Dental implants may hold a single tooth, a bridge, or dentures. This is based on your needs. ‚  
Your dental implant may be placed: ‚  
  • In your jawbone. This is an endosteal implant. It is shaped like a screw. This is the most common kind of implant.
  • On your jawbone. This is a subperiosteal implant. It is under your gum tissue. A small metal post may show through your gum. This is most often used for people who cannot use regular dentures. You may also have this kind of implant if you do not have enough bone to support an implant in your jawbone.

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Learn how to take care of your healing mouth:
    • If your mouth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure for 10 minutes. Use a wet tea bag, piece of gauze, or a clean wash cloth to apply pressure to the area.
    • Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
    • You may want to sleep with a towel over your pillow. Sometimes a small amount of blood can appear on your pillow in the morning after surgery.
    • You may have stitches in your mouth. Some stitches need to be taken out and others fall out on their own. Ask your dentist what kind of stitches were used in your mouth.
  • Follow the dentists instructions about eating and drinking. These may help you avoid more bleeding or the chance of developing a dry socket.
    • Most often you will start eating a soft or liquid diet after your dental surgery. Use extra care when chewing. Try to avoid the area where the surgery was done. Ask when you can go back to your regular diet.
    • Do not smoke.
    • Avoid use of a straw.
    • Avoid spitting or rinsing.
    • Ask what foods are good to eat. You will want to avoid:
      • Food and drinks that are very hot
      • Sticky or chewy foods
      • Hard foods
  • Follow your dentist's orders about brushing and flossing.
    • Avoid stretching your mouth to see the surgery, or using your tongue to feel around the area. Leave the surgical area alone.
    • Your dentist may give you a special toothbrush to use around the area of the surgery.
    • Pink spit is normal for a few days.
    • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after each meal.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to go back to the dentist after you heal from the surgery. Then the dentist can finish your crown, bridge, or denture. ‚  

What lifestyle changes are needed?


You should relax at home for a day or two after the surgery. Avoid any heavy physical activities as this may cause bleeding or delayed healing. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The dentist may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Prevent infection
  • Help with pain and swelling

What problems could happen?


  • Pain or sensitivity
  • Allergic reaction to the implant material
  • Appearance of dark line on crowned tooth next to the gum line
  • Infection around the healing implant
  • Implant failure
  • Implant becomes loose
  • Need for replacement of implant parts. This is most often not needed until after years of use.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Swelling or pain that cannot be controlled with the drugs or instructions given to you by your dentist
  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills
  • Drainage or foul odor from the location where the surgery was performed
  • If you have too much bleeding from your mouth or it does not stop easily

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my procedure.
  • I can tell you how I will take care of my mouth.
  • I can tell you when I can go back to my normal diet.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have too much swelling, pain, or bleeding.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Periodontology ‚  
http://www.perio.org/consumer/2m.htm ‚  
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ‚  
http://www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php ‚  
American Dental Association ‚  
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/Implants ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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