Kurt Van Winkle, D.D.S., M.S.D., P.C.

Dental Implant Surgery Instructions

Brushing

  • Day 1-3: twice daily swab the implant(s) with a Q-tip saturated with the prescription mouth rinse.
  • Day 4: twice daily begin brushing the implant(s) with a toothbrush saturated with the prescription mouth rinse.
  • All other teeth are to be brushed normally.

Flossing

  • You do not need to floss the implant until the crown (tooth) is placed.
  • Floss all other teeth normally.

Eating

  • Soft foods are advised the day of the surgery.
  • Avoid chewing on the implant(s) until the crown is placed.

Swelling and Bleeding

  • It is normal for the gum to slightly swell and/or bleed around the implant during the 1st week of healing.

Discomfort

  • Typically there is very little discomfort following the procedure. However, you could experience tenderness in the gum area. See pain medication below.

Working

  • Although many patients return to work the same day as the procedure, you may consider taking the remainder of the day off as you could experience slight discomfort.

Exercising

  • Avoid exercising or heavy lifting for 2 days.

Prescription Mouth Rinse

  • Rinse twice daily for 1 week and follow brushing instructions above.

Antibiotic

  • Take as directed until gone.

Pain Medication

  • Take as needed: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or prescribed medication.

1 Week Follow-Up Appointment

  • An appointment will be scheduled for you to return 7-10 days following the surgery to evaluate the area(s) for healing.

Final Appointment

  • At the 1 week follow-up appointment, the date of your next appointment (typically the final appointment) will be determined.
  • At this time, we will inform you when to schedule with your dentist for the crown (tooth).
  • It is recommended that you review your treatment proposal from our office, as there is usually a fee associated with this visit. The fee is for an abutment (post) that is typically placed at this visit prior to you seeing your dentist for the crown. If an abutment is not placed in our office, it will be placed by your dentist and will be charged by the dentist.

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