Post-Operative Instructions for All on X

What to do after your surgery?

Here are some guidelines and instructions for you to follow to aid in your healing and recovery:

• Rest at home and take it easy for the first 72 hours following surgery.
• If you had general anesthesia or I.V. sedation, you may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, and sleepiness following surgery. A responsible adult should stay with you for 12 hours after surgery.
• Please refrain from pulling on your lips or cheeks to inspect the surgical sites. This action could tear your sutures or delay healing.
• Take your prescribed medications as directed.
• Bleeding will occur after surgery, and it is not uncommon to ooze blood for 24-48 hours after surgery.

How much swelling and discomfort is to be expected?

Significant swelling may occur after surgery. After the procedure, apply an ice pack on both sides of your face at 15 minute intervals for the remainder of the day. Moist heat such as warm, wet washcloth, will aid in reducing swelling after the first 48-72 hours. Patients should switch to warm heat after 48 hours post surgery. Expect to be uncomfortable for the first 3-4 days after surgery. After the third day, discomfort generally lessens, with progressive improvement thereafter.

REMEMBER: We are concerned about your well-being. If you should experience any difficulty in breathing, bleeding that you feel is excessive, persistent nausea or vomiting, or any pain that is not managed with prescribed medications, please contact us immediately. There is always a doctor on call to answer your questions or to provide you with emergency care. After-hours please call either to contact Dr. Patel or care coordinator Jennifer - 732-213-0036 or 732-633-5069.

Will there be bruising?

Bruising sometimes occurs after implant surgery. Bruising often develops a few days postsurgery and may be located either above or below the area that implants were placed. This is normal and typically resolves after the first week.

When can I return to my daily exercise routine?

Refrain from exercise, heavy lifting and any physical activity for the first week following surgery. Elevation of heart rate and blood pressure may promote bleeding and delay healing. After the first week, and based on the doctor's discretion, patients may ease back into physical activity.

Can I smoke cigarettes?

PLEASE: Do not smoke after surgery. Smoking may dry out the tissues and delay healing. Smoking can also cause you to bleed more and for longer periods of time. Smoking can also contribute to possible implant failure and issues with your expected treatment outcome. We advise all patients to stop smoking in general.

How do I maintain personal oral hygiene during postsurgery and during my healing?

All on X prosthesis sits firmly on your gums. Therefore, you need to maintain a strong oral hygiene routine such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing in order to help clean your prosthesis. Use of a dental waterpik is highly recommended to irrigate underneath the prosthesis to flush out any debris. DO NOT begin use of the dental waterpik until you are directed to do so by the doctor.

For the first week following surgery, do not brush or waterpik. We asked that you gently rinse your mouth out only.

What can I do for pain?

Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain and swelling take 600mg Ibuprofen (ex. Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours for the first 3-4 days post surgery. Take the first dose before the anesthesia wears off. If prescription pain medication is given, take it as instructed on the label. Do not exceed the dose on the label. Taking medications with food or milk will help reduce an upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking prescription pain medication. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medication.

MEDICATIONS: Along with pain medications you will be prescribed antibiotics as indicated by the procedure. Take the antibiotics as prescribed until the entire prescription is complete. If you are taking Plavix or coumadin, do NOT take Ibuprofen or Aspirin products.

Post Surgery Additional Information:

• If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as Vaseline.
• Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen and the normal act of swallowing can become painful. This will subside after 2-3 days.
• Stiffness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days. Do not force your mouth open. Massage the muscles and apply moist heat as needed.
• Nose bleeds may occur if you had implant surgery done on your upper jaw. This is usually temporary and should not persist past 2-3 days. Avoid blowing your nose for several days.

PLEASE NOTE: An appointment will be set for you with your dentist a few days post surgery to do any needed adjustments to your temporary implant bridge. Every patient heals differently and no two cases are alike. If you have any additional questions please contact our office to speak to your doctor.

What can I eat after surgery?

It is extremely important to be on a soft food diet for the first 3-4 months of healing. During this time your implants are integrating, and you are wearing a temporary prosthesis that is not meant to be used to chew hard or crunchy foods. For the first 2 weeks after surgery, we ask that you only eat food that you do not have to chew (liquid diet or anything you can mash with a plastic fork). Do not use a straw while your mouth is healing.

What are some examples of acceptable foods to eat?

Acceptable foods are soft and easy to chew and swallow. These foods may be chopped, ground, mashed or pureed. This diet should be followed for the first 3 months after your surgery.

EXAMPLES:

Drinks - water, fruit juices, smoothies, protein shakes, milkshakes

Breakfast - oatmeal, cream of wheat, scrambled eggs, yogurt, applesauce, cooked, canned or ripe fruits (no seeds), muffins, pancakes

Lunch/Dinner - well-cooked soft vegetables, fish, roasted chicken, soups, pasta, rice, mashed potatoes

Dessert - ice cream, popsicles