Implant Advice for Patients

Dr. Tariq Idris has compiled a general list of subjects you should consider when having implants.

 
 

Aspirin

If you are taking aspirin, you should check with your physician that it is suitable to stop the recommended dose two weeks before the implant placement.
 
 

Antibiotics

Make sure you have taken the prescribed antibiotics before arriving at the dental practice and that you complete the course of medication in the period afterwards.
 
 

Brushing

Do not brush the area where the implants have been placed for at least a week.
 
 

Calcium

Ensure that your diet contains at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day.
Dietary supplements should continue for at least three months after surgery.
 
 

Denture

Leave your denture out only if instructed to do so, until it has been re-lined with a soft lining material.
 
 

Diet

In regard to diet, any food may be eaten during the first week provided it is soft. Boiled fish, scrambled eggs, pasta, rice etc. are suitable, though any meal may be mashed or passed through a blender to render it soft.
 
 

Discomfort

Normally we find that implant placement is followed by only mild discomfort. Any discomfort can be minimised by following the instructions given to you by your dentist
 
 

Drinking

Avoid alcohol for two weeks after the operation as this can impair healing.

For the first 24 hours take no hot liquids, e.g. coffee, tea or soup.

For the first 24 hours minimize your exertion: rest, books and T.V. are best.
 
 

Ice packs

Ice packs can be held over the area operated upon for twenty to thirty minute intervals, totalling not more than one to two hours during the first two days after the operation. This will normally reduce the amount of swelling.
 
 

Meals

After each meal, gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
 
 

Pain

If you experience pain when the anaesthetic has worn off follow the regime of pain control that you have been given and seek further advice if necessary.
 
 

Pressure

It is essential to avoid pressure on the implants for two weeks after they have been placed. This allows better initial stability of the implants. If you have a denture, this will have been adjusted carefully to avoid excessive pressures on the implants.
 
 

Salt water

The day after surgery (not less than 24 hours), commence warm salt rinses (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) two or three times a day. Each rinse should be held against the affected area so that the warm salty water cools over it and is held there until the heat is gone. Then repeat until the cup is finished. This should last about ten minutes each time.
 
 

Sleeping

Sleep with an extra pillow to lift your head for the first two to three nights to reduce the amount of swelling that may occur.
 
 

Smoking

Do not smoke for two weeks before and after the operation as this can seriously affect the success of the implant placement.

Research has shown that regular smokers lack Vitamin C. This deficiency interferes with all healing processes.

Smokers are strongly advised to take 1,500mg of Vitamin C a day for one month prior to the operation and continue for as long as possible afterwards for its general health benefit. However, if at all possible you should give very serious consideration to giving up smoking altogether, or discuss with your dentist a suitable period of cessation pre- and post-operatively for the key surgical stages.
 
 

Tongue

Try not to explore the area with your tongue as this may loosen the stitches.
 
 

Vitamins

All patients can help the process of healing by taking 1,200 International Units (IU) of Vitamin E, and 60 milligrams of beta carotin each day starting three weeks before the operation.
 
 
 
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