555 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, Suite 100
San Marcos, CA, 92078
Phone: (760) 510-9009
Fax: (760) 510-8008
www.platinumdental.com

Platinum Dental, Inc.

    IMPLANT SURGERY POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1.	DO NOT rinse/gargle for 24 hours after surgery. DO NOT smoke for at least 24 hours after surgery. AVOID extremely hot liquids and citrus juices for the next few hours.  AVOID excessive exercise for next 48 hours.
2.	While gum recession usually results from surgery, it is never as much as it appears to be during the first few weeks after surgery.  As healing progresses, the normal color and smooth natural shape will return.  Gum recession may be permanent.
3.	Some swelling and temporary loosening of the teeth may be expected. Apply an ice pack to the face, if directed, for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the next 24 hours. DO NOT use heat.  It usually takes three to six days for the swelling to recede.
4.	If bleeding occurs, DO NOT RINSE, place gauze saturated with a tea bag over the area and hold firmly for 10 minutes.  Repeat every 10 minutes alternating a “tea” gauze (10 minutes) with a dry gauze (10 minutes) until bleeding stops. 
5.	24 hours after the surgery, start rinsing 4 to 5 times a day (1/2 Tsp Epsom salt   in 8 ounces of water).  Also rinse with Chlorohexidine twice daily (morning and night) if it is prescribed. The rinses are extremely important for healing of the surgical area.
6.	 24 hours after the surgery, start to brush the rest of your teeth regularly.  Brush very gently around the surgical area. 
7.	Try to eat on the opposite side of the surgical area. AVOID foods that are hot, spicy, hard, or salty. Food to avoid: Popcorn, peanuts, seeds, rice, crusty bread, pretzels and any that will get caught between your teeth. Food to eat: fish, soup, chopped meat, Jell-O, baby food, mashed potatoes, instant breakfasts, non-dairy custards and pasta. Try to avoid all citrus drinks.   
8.	MEDICATIONS / VITAMINS: mild discomfort may be controlled with over the counter medications: 2 extra strength Tylenol, Ibuprofen or similar medication every 4 hours (avoid aspirin).  If a pain reliever has been prescribed, please take them only as needy. AVOID ALCOHOL when taking antibiotics, pain pills and sedatives.  DO NOT DRIVE while taking sedative or pain relieving medication. If an antibiotic has been prescribed be sure to take all pills.  Some antibiotics may interfere with birth control pills, therefore, please check with your doctor first.  If you have been prescribed Tetracycline avoid dairy products. If you take a premed, you must take your medication as prescribed on the day of suture removal (at least one hour before). Aspirin, Vitamin E  and other vitamins may be resumed one week after the surgery. With regards to any prescribed medications, please take them as directed.

Note: It is absolutely critical for you to take your antibiotics as directed 'til it isfinished. It is also very important to rinse with Chlorohexidine as directed. Doing these two steps religiously will increase the success rate for your new implant(s) dramatically.

 If you have any questions or emergencies please call our office at (760) 510-9009.