After Implant Placement

Dr. David McAninch and Dr. Robert Kiken will provide you with detailed post-op instructions following your implant placement procedure. Please follow these instructions as closely as possible to help promote proper healing.

After your implant procedure, we recommend that you:

  • Avoid rinsing the area for the first day after your procedure
  • 1 day after treatment, begin rinsing with warm salt water (8 oz. water with ½ teaspoon of salt) every 2-3 hours. Do this for several days.
  • If you have been prescribed a mouth rinse, use it as directed.
  • If you have been prescribed any medications, use them as directed.
  • You may begin brushing your teeth again the day after your procedure. Avoid brushing the surgical site for several days.
  • Maintain a soft diet for several days following your procedure. You may begin eating normally as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
  • Do not wear your denture or partial denture until your dentist tells you it is safe to do so.
  • If a temporary crown was placed on your implant, do not bite down until your dentist tells you it is safe to do so – biting prematurely may cause your implant to fail.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products until given permission to do so. Tobacco products can cause your implants to fail.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery for 12 hours following your procedure.

You will likely experience some swelling following your procedure. You can alleviate this by placing ice packs or cold compresses on the side of your face for 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours after your treatment. After 48 hours, switch to heat and continue until the swelling diminishes.

If you are in pain, you may use a mild pain reliever, such as Tylenol, Advil, or Ibuprofen, to relieve your discomfort.

If the cover screw or healing abutment loosens or falls out, please call our office so that we can replace it.

If you have any other questions, please contact Ocean Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to speak with our oral surgeons or a member of our staff. We will be happy to provide you with additional information about implant dentistry in Santa Barbara, California, and to help you schedule an appointment.