Minor bleeding at the surgical site is normal for the first 24 hours. If more persistent bleeding occurs, bite down firmly on a gauze pad placed on the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if any excessive or uncontrollable bleeding occurs.
Swelling of the gums around the exposed tooth is normal. Apply an ice pack to the cheek or external area of the mouth where the surgical site is. Maintain the application of this ice pack anytime you are awake for the first 36 hours after surgery.
To reduce discomfort, begin taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication before the local anesthetic begins wearing off. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is generally strong enough to control post-operative pain. If prescribed medication is needed, take it only as directed. If you experience severe pain that persists, contact our office right away.
The day after your surgery, rinse with mouthwash and/or saltwater 5-6 times a day, especially after meals. Continue rinsing your mouth until the site has healed. Brush your teeth only with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be careful not to harm the surgical site.
Immediately after surgery, drink the recommended amount of water daily to avoid dehydration. Nutritionally rich-soft foods can be eaten on the day of surgery. Avoid hot foods and liquids. You can return to a normal diet within a few days, but continue eating wholesome meals to assist your body in the healing process.
For the first few days after surgery, minimize exercise and physical activities. Do not begin a rigorous exercise, as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks.
Some bleeding after your tooth extraction is normal. To stop any persistent bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad for 30 minutes at a time. This can be repeated for as long as necessary. Any bleeding that is excessive or uncontrollable should be reported to us immediately.
Minor swelling is common after tooth extraction. Consistently apply an ice pack to the area until the swelling subsides in about 48 hours.
Pain and discomfort are normal but can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Take all pain medication as instructed. The pain will subside after a few days, so contact our office in Houston, TX if this pain worsens.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed, either in tablets or liquid form. Do not skip any of the medication, even if you no longer feel any pain. Antibiotics help reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
You can resume your normal oral hygiene routine 24 hours after your surgery. Floss once a day, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid brushing around the extraction site for the next 72 hours.
After your surgery, drink the recommended amount of water daily and stick to a nutritional soft-food diet. You can resume eating normally as soon as you feel comfortable biting and chewing foods. Avoid hot foods and liquids, do not use a straw, and refrain from drinking alcohol for 72 hours after surgery.
Do not partake in rigorous exercise or physical activity for the first 24 hours after surgery to avoid dislodging the blood clot. Exercise increases blood pressure and can cause the surgical site to bleed.
Bleeding is expected after your surgery. Place gauze over each surgical site to manage any bleeding and firmly bite down for 30 minutes. This process can be repeated as necessary. You can also bite down on moist tea bags. If you’ve been given a partial denture, this will also help control bleeding. Contact our office right away if you experience excessive and prolonged bleeding.
Some swelling is normal and may also include bruising around your face. This will be most noticeable 2-3 days after surgery but will subside. To control swelling, apply an ice pack to one or both sides of your face for 30 minutes while awake. After 48 hours, switch to using heat instead.
Temporary numbness around the chin, eyes, and tongue is normal. While this may persist for a few days up to several months, the numbness is rarely permanent. Contact us if you have concerns or you experience changes in these sensations.
You may experience significant discomfort for the first few days after surgery, as well as a sore throat and elevated temperature. This pain is normal and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. To minimize nausea, avoid taking medicines with alcohol or on an empty stomach. Contact our office immediately if you experience worsening pain after four days or develop a fever.
For the first 24 hours, refrain from brushing your remaining teeth or gums. This will help to encourage healthy blood clots to form. Warm saltwater rinses can resume after the first day and should be completed 5-6 times daily, especially after meals. If you have a partial denture, it should be removed before rinsing. Brush any remaining teeth while being careful not to disturb the surgical sites.
During the first day following your surgery, drink plenty of water to rehydrate. Your mouth may be too sore to eat foods, so begin with a soft diet, such as nutrition shakes, which are easy to consume and help give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to heal properly. Avoid using straws and hot foods or drinks. A normal diet can slowly be resumed as you heal.
Avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least two days after surgery. This can harm the surgical sites. During rest, whether sitting or lying down, keep your head elevated. Avoid driving if you take pain medication, and do not bend over or lift heavy objects.
Some swelling is normal and may also include bruising around your face. This will be most noticeable 2-3 days after surgery but will subside. To control swelling, apply an ice pack to one or both sides of your face for 30 minutes while awake. After 48 hours, switch to using heat instead.
Temporary numbness around the chin, eyes, and tongue is normal. While this may persist for a few days up to several months, the numbness is rarely permanent. Contact us if you have concerns or you experience changes in these sensations.
You may experience significant discomfort for the first few days after surgery, as well as a sore throat and elevated temperature. This pain is normal and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. To minimize nausea, avoid taking medicines with alcohol or on an empty stomach. Contact our office immediately if you experience worsening pain after four days or develop a fever.
For the first 24 hours, refrain from brushing your remaining teeth or gums. This will help to encourage healthy blood clots to form. Warm saltwater rinses can resume after the first day and should be completed 5-6 times daily, especially after meals. If you have a partial denture, it should be removed before rinsing. Brush any remaining teeth while being careful not to disturb the surgical sites.
During the first day following your surgery, drink plenty of water to rehydrate. Your mouth may be too sore to eat foods, so begin with a soft diet, such as nutrition shakes, which are easy to consume and help give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to heal properly. Avoid using straws and hot foods or drinks. A normal diet can slowly be resumed as you heal.
Avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least two days after surgery. This can harm the surgical sites. During rest, whether sitting or lying down, keep your head elevated. Avoid driving if you take pain medication, and do not bend over or lift heavy objects.
Some bleeding is normal after surgery. A common mistake when applying gauze pads is clenching teeth to hold them in place instead of firmly pressing them down on the surgical site. This can cause heavier bleeding. Contact our office immediately if the bleeding worsens or does not stop.
Minor swelling is normal and will be most evident 48 hours after surgery. To minimize swelling, keep the head elevated and apply ice packs to the area in 30-minute intervals. After 48 hours have passed, apply warm compresses instead.
Pain is a normal result of surgery and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If prescription medication has been provided, take it only as instructed by our doctor. Medication should begin before the local anesthetic wears off and should be taken with food to avoid nausea. Contact our office if the pain worsens or does not subside within normal time.
Bruising may occur and be noticeable 1-2 days after surgery. Cold and warm compresses can help reduce the visible signs of bruising, which will fade on their own within a few days or weeks.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take all the medication as directed until the series is complete. This helps reduce the chances of infection at the surgical site. Be watchful of the signs of infection, including increased swelling, intense pain, and foul-tasting drainage from the surgical site. Contact us immediately if this occurs.
Do not vigorously rinse your mouth or spit for at least 3-5 days after surgery. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water or mouthwash can resume the day after your procedure. Carefully brush and floss teeth, but do not disturb the surgical site. Avoid touching the area with your tongue or finger, and do not lift your lip to minimize the chances of tearing the sutures.
Stick to a mild, soft food diet for at least the first 2-4 days. These foods should be easy to consume without biting or chewing and be nutritionally rich to help your body heal properly. A normal diet can be resumed once the area has healed. Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery or for as long as possible.
If you’re receiving a denture or flipper, we’ll have specific instructions on the day of your surgery. We may instruct you to wear your prosthesis immediately, leave it in place for 48 hours before removing it, or refrain from wearing it until the site has healed. If you have been instructed to wear your prosthesis and sores or swelling develops on your gums, remove it and contact our office immediately.
Minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours after your surgery. If you experience more excessive bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad placed over the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if you have prolonged bleeding or bleeding that cannot be controlled.
Minor swelling is normal directly after surgery and may last a few days. To help minimize swelling, hold the ice pack or bag of ice wrapped in a towel to your cheek. Apply this ice as much as possible for 36 hours after your surgery.
Pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), can be taken before the local anesthetic wears off to avoid discomfort. Follow the instructions for how many medications you can take in the given period. Take any prescription medication only as instructed. If severe pain occurs and continues, contact our office immediately.
If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed by our doctor until complete. Antibiotics help to prevent infection, which is crucial to the success of your surgery.
Take any prescribed mouthwash as directed, usually the night after your surgery before you go to bed. For the next few days, use this mouthwash 1-2 times daily (morning and night) and begin rinsing your mouth with warm salt water 4-5 times a day, especially after eating. Twenty-four hours after your surgery, you can gently resume brushing your teeth and the surgical site with a soft toothbrush.
Drink the recommended amount of water daily and eat nutritionally rich food to help your body recover from surgery. Avoid drinking or eating hot beverages or foods, and do not chew foods directly on the implant site. Immediately after your surgery, stick to a soft diet (such as protein shakes, yogurt, applesauce, etc.). You can return to a normal diet within a few days or as instructed by our doctor.
For the first week after surgery, refrain from exercising or physical activities that can increase blood flow and disturb the surgical site. Also, avoid activities that increase the risk of impact or injury to your mouth. If, during exercise, you experience complications such as bleeding or throbbing at the surgical site, discontinue activities immediately and contact our office.
This is an approximate timeline. Due to your bone anatomy, healing time and schedule, this may change.
Extractions, bone graft, implant placement
-Recovery from sedation
* Actual surgery 8AM-11AM*
-Digital scan process to design temporary prosthesis for next day delivery
*Scan & Design 11AM-2PM*
-FoIIow -up & Hybrid Acrylic permanently retained temporary placed
**you will wear this temporary until ideal healing is achieved
*30 MINUTE APPOINTMENT*
-Check healing process
-Review Oral hygiene instructions and begin using water pik
*30 MINUTE APPOINTMENT*
-Check healing process
-Review Oral hygiene instructions and begin using water pik
Same Day Design & New Design Try-In Option $200:
Digital scan impression ((AM scan and PM Try In of new hybrid acrylic design))
Same Week Zirconia Option $500:
Digital scan impression w/ multiple try ins on 1st appt date & delivery of zirconia 5 days later
Ex: Scan on Tuesday at 9am,Delivery on Saturday
THIS APPOINTMENT IS TO START THE SCANNING PROCESS TO BEGIN
FINALIZING AESTHETIC CHANGES FOR YOUR ZIRCONIA FINALS**
-Check healing process
-Possible final scan/digital impression taken if ideal healing has been achieved.
-IF no additional adjustments are needed on your second set, we will start processing your Zirconia.
-IF additional adjustments or appointments are needed in between, please call the office to schedule.
-After the Zirconia set, we will see you every 6 months for maintenance.
-Please remember to call our office with any questions or concerns or for any scheduling needs.
8406 Hall Rd. Ste 100
Houston, TX 77075
832-791-3039
Toothpaste is an anticoagulant and will disrupt the clotting process required for your healing. You may dip your toothbrush head into a separate cup of the stellalife mouth wash and brush using that instead. Once you are able to brush using toothpaste, please use one with NO baking soda, whitening, or anything abrasiv or “scratchy”. Doing so will scratch up the surface of your temps.
Please use one one the examples listed below:
Pepsodent toothpaste OR Crest Gum Detox toothpaste
Any soft bristle toothbrush- brush twice a day to remove a biofilm layer of bacteria on teeth.
The sinus lift is performed to increase the height of bone available for your implant(s). It is imperative that you follow the instructions listed below carefully to maximize your healing and improve the long-term outcome of your sinus lift and dental implant(s).
Do NOT blow your nose for at least 4 WEEKS, as the pressure will delay or damage TOMORROW your sinus healing. If you have to sneeze, do NOT hold it back- sneeze out. Open your mouth and try to minimize the pressure in your nasal/sinus passages.
You may use nasal decongestants, such as over-the-counter Sudafed® tablets or Afrin® nasal spray, to keep your passages dry, especially if you have noticed continued drainage or feel the need to blow your nose
This creates suction, which may damage a healing clot.
You may drink out of a cup or bowl, or use a spoon
-FoIIow -up & Hybrid Acrylic permanently retained temporary placed
**you will wear this temporary until ideal healing is achieved
When using the stella life mouth wash or salt water,
you will roll the fluid around in your mouth and allow it to fall out after.
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are exercising, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.
Standards of good oral hygiene are critical for the success and functionality of the implants and restoration. The best way to prevent infection and ensure healing is to keep your mouth clean. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste (AFTER ONE WEEK) after meals and at bedtime. If you wish to brush your prosthetic teeth, you may do so with a toddler/extra soft toothbrush and a non abrasive toothpaste. Use of dental waterpik is highly recommended to irrigate underneath the denture to flush out debris. DO NOT begin use of the dental waterpik until you are directed by our office to do so.
Minimal bleeding is expected after this implant procedure. The best way to stop bleeding is to place a damp piece of gauze in your mouth and gently bite down, applying firm pressure for approximately 30 minutes. Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem. Suture material may last 2-3 weeks and should be left alone. You will be asked to return at the surgeon’s discretion. Do not pull or cut the sutures yourself.
Swelling/bruising is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and healing and trauma. The swelling may not become apparent until 24 hours after surgery and will not reach its peak for 2-3 days. After this time the swelling/bruising should decrease but may persist for 7-10 days. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while awake for the first 24 hours .. After 48 hours, begin use of warm, moist compresses to the cheek. THIS IS ALL A NORMAL PART OF THE PROCEDURE AND HEALING PROCESS
Rest and relax with no physical activity that will elevate the heart rate for the first 3-4 days after surgery. After 4 days, you may resume activity as tolerated. No strenuous exercising or heavy lifting for approximately 1 week after surgery.
Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. If you do not have an allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil), we recommend taking this prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. More severe pain may require narcotic pain medication. Narcotic pain medication will make you drowsy, do not drive or operate mechanical machinery while taking the prescription. Alternate ibuprofen (2 tablets/200mg each) and the narcotic medication every two hours if needed. ONce you feel like you can stop the narcotic, use ibuprofen or Tylenol. You may also be prescribed an antibacterial mouth rinse which should be used twice daily in the first two weeks following implant surgery. Postoperative antibiotics should be taken as directed and always take the entire course of the prescription. All medications should not exceed the recommended dosage. *NOTE: If you are taking PLAVIX or COUMADIN, do NOT take ibuprofen or aspirin products.
After general anesthetic or I.V. sedation, start with liquids. While numb, patients should avoid hot foods and liquids. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days, compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. We recommend high protein shakes, smoothies (Ensure, Special K, etc) as a meal replacement supplement. Patients are restricted to a SOFT chew food diet for the first 6 weeks. If food cannot be easily cut with a fork, DO NOT eat it! ABSOLUTELY NO CHEWING ON ICE.
Drinks,
Water, Juice, Yogurt, Popsicles, Smoothies/protein shakes, Milkshake
Foods
Jello, Pudding, Ground meats Fish, Ice Cream (PLAIN) Scrambled Eggs, Cream of Wheat Soups, Mashed Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, Pasta, Pancakes
The first week will require soft foods only. When you are able, you may introduce fork tender foods. ANY FOOD THAT CAN BE CUT WITH A PLASTIC FORK! Add soft foods when numbness is gone. Increase diet as tolerated
*NO RICE OR NUTS OR CHEWING ON ICE **ENSURE DRINK, SMOOTHIES ARE RECOMMENDED ***NO CARBONATED BEVERAGES OR SPICY FOODS for approx 2 weeks as you still have open sites
PLEASE DO NOT USE WATER PIK UNTIL YOU ARE CLEARED TO BY OUR OFFICE!
• You will rinse with warm salt water for the first month after surgery (1 c water to ó
tsp salt) if you can tolerate 1 tsp of salt, please do so.
• 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 throat and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen and
the normal act of swallowing can become painful. This will typically subside in 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.
• With the upper jaw implant treatment, you may develop bleeding from the nose. This is
usually temporary and typically will not persist after 2-3 days. Follow sinus precautions
supplied to you, if applicable.
• An appointment may be needed within a few days of surgery to make any adjustments
to your temporary denture.
• Excessive salivation is normal. Your mouth has to become accustomed to something
new.
• You will have to move soft foods to the back of your mouth and swallow.
• Your case is individual, as no two mouths are alike. Discuss all questions/concerns with
your oral surgeon or implant coordinator.
• IF YOU HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO HOLD BLOOD THINNER, PLEASE CHECK
AND CONFIRM WITH YOUR PCP ON WHEN TO RESUME TAKING MEDICATION.
Although I grouped these foods by meal, if I felt like a baked potato at 8am I had it. The most important thing for me was to stay full (as much as you can). Another important thing for me was to change up your flavors. Don’t get in a rut! Stay creative! For instance if you think you’re getting tired of scrambled eggs, add some chorizo or cheese. Make it Italian with some garlic powder, basil and parmesan cheese or add some pesto.
Some of these foods on the list I couldn’t do the first couple weeks as my mouth was very sore, but I added them for later.
• Grits (could add different cheeses or gravies)
• Cream of Wheat or Cream of Rice
• Pureed oatmeal (add milk, pureed fruit, honey)
• Boost or Ensure
• Carnation Instant Breakfast
• Smoothies (fruit and protein)
• Refried beans (with queso or melted cheese or chorizo)
• Soft scrambled eggs or over-easy eggs
• Blended egg salad (no celery or pickles but you can add pickle juice)
• Gravy with a soaked biscuit or soft bread (no crust)
• Pancakes
• Egg bites
• Juices (avoid orange/VS juice at first)
• Canned fruit
• Bananas
• Watermelon or cantaloupe in a blender or any other fruit
• Applesauce
• Muffins/pumpkin or banana bread (no nuts or raisins)
• Cottage cheese/Ricotta cheese with honey or pureed fruit
• Yoghurt (high protein if possible)
• Soggy cereals (Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, or Golden Grahams are good soggy cereals)
• Baked potatoes (with cheese, sour cream, chives)
• Mashed potatoes (garlic and dill, or add cheese, garlic, etc)
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Steamed/cooked until very soft veggies like zucchini (no seeds), cauliflower, broccoli
(very tops of the heads only)
• Canned carrots or green beans (mashed)
• Canned beets (mashed)
• Frozen chopped or creamed spinach
• Mashed beans or chickpeas (I like to add tikka sauce to chickpeas with a little plain
Greek yoghurt)
• Cornbread
• Canned pastas such as Chef Boyardee or Spaghettios
• Stuffed shells (with cheese or finely cooked seasoned hamburger meat) *If you boil
hamburger meat and stir as it cooks it becomes very fine. Then you can drain it and
season it from there.
• Baked ravioli (either of these with marinara or alfredo sauce)
• Lasagna
• King Ranch Chicken (with rotisserie chicken)
• Macaroni and cheese
• Meatballs or meatloaf (mashed at first)
• Wolf brand chili (over cornbread is filling)
• Meats like beef/pork roast in the Crock Pot (diced fine when done) with gravy of course!
• Pulled pork diced fine
• Potato salad mashed no celery or pickles
• Avocadoes/guacamole (smooth)
• Tuna salad (no onions but use onion powder, no pickles but use pickle juice with mayo)
• Rotisserie chicken
• Stovetop stuffing
• Baked or grilled fish
• Pureed soups or blended soups
• Shaved deli meats
• Dinty Moore beef stew blended (great over a baked potato)
• Deviled ham or Deviled chicken spreads on soft bread (use a fork)
• Peanut butter
• Hummus
• Pimento cheese
• Cream cheese
• Dips (non-chunky)
• Egg drop soup
• Wanton soup
• Knorr noodle sides (assorted flavors)
• Vienna sausages
• Pudding/Jello with whipped cream
• Fruit cobblers
• Ice cream (with hot fudge or caramel sauce)
• Baked apples/pears (no skin) with cinnamon
• Cheesecake
• Drinkable yoghurts
• Milkshakes
• Cakes
• Milano cookies dipped in tea or coffee first
• Junior Mints
• Little Debbie Fudge Rounds
• Twinkies
• Brownies (no nuts)
