Dental Implant Instructions

Before Your Dental Implant (Pre-Op)

1. Take any prescribed antibiotics or medications as directed before your appointment.
2. If you will be receiving sedation, do not eat or drink for 6–8 hours before your procedure. If no sedation is planned, eat a light meal one to two hours before.
3. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the office.
4. Inform our office of all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, etc.). Do not stop any medication without first consulting your physician.
5. Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
6. Get a good night's rest the evening before your procedure.
7. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment.
8. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (404)-264-1944 before your visit.

After Your Dental Implant (Post-Op)

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
• Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.
• Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. (Bags of frozen peas work well.)
• For mild discomfort, take Tylenol or ibuprofen every 3–4 hours.
• For severe pain, use the medication prescribed to you.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Do not use a straw — this creates suction in the mouth that could cause complications.
• We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least 3–4 days after surgery. After that, be careful: your regular caloric and fluid intake have been reduced, so you may get lightheaded, dizzy, or weak.
• If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, the use of warm moist heat to the outside of your face over the spots that are stiff will relax these muscles.
• After the first post-operative day, use a warm saltwater rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical area. (Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Mouthwash can be added for better taste.)
• Your diet should consist mainly of soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks. Avoid anything that might get stuck in your teeth, so no seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, or similar foods.

Please call our office or Dr. Mark Barr with any questions or concerns.
Office: (404)-264-1944  |  Dr. Mark Barr: (404) 295-0289

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