Dental Implant Recovery

These instructions are important for proper healing. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Immediately after surgery

Gauze pads will be placed over the surgical site(s) at the time of surgery. If bleeding continues, replace them with a dampened and rolled gauze pad(s) with firm pressure. Change every 30-45 minutes until minimal pink/red spotting is present.
Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the wound area. Gentle mouth rinsing can begin the day after surgery.
Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain management prior to feeling discomfort:
1. Ibuprofen 600 mg tablets – take one tablet every six hours as needed for pain.
2. Extra Strength Tylenol 500 mg tablets – take one every six hours as needed for pain.
Take all medications with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
Limit your diet to cold, soft foods for the first one to two days, advancing as you are able. Drink plenty of fluids.
Place ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.
Restrict activities on surgery day, resuming normal activity as able.

Frequently asked questions

How much bleeding is normal after having a dental implant placed?

Bleeding is normal after surgery and should slow down by the evening with proper use of gauze. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is common for about two days postoperatively. If bleeding does not slow down after replacing gauze in the area, place a moistened black tea bag over the surgical area for 30 minutes and bite down firmly. If you have any concerns about bleeding, please contact our office at (208) 667-0824. If calling after hours, there will be a phone prompt that connects you directly to Dr. Griffitts.

I was prescribed antibiotics for my surgery. When should I start taking them?

If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to take the antibiotic one hour prior to the scheduled surgery. Refer to the medication bottle for instructions.

What will eating be like after I have a dental implant placed?

During your recovery period, it is normal for your jaw muscles to be sore. Chewing will be difficult but should improve with time.

How should I manage swelling after my dental implant is placed?

Swelling can decrease when following an ice application regimen. Bruising of the skin is normal and can take up to 10-14 days to subside.

When will a crown be placed on top of my implant?

Your dentist will place the crown once the implant has healed sufficiently, which generally requires three months. Our office will schedule regular post-operative visits to monitor implant healing. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

For easy reference during your recovery, view or download a printable copy of your dental implant instructions below.

View or download Download Instructions

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING

★★★★★

Big fan of Dr. Griffitts and his staff. Office is clean, staff is professional, and Dr. G is a phenomenal oral surgeon with a great rapport with his patients. I had all my wisdom teeth taken out at three different time periods and all went very well. My highest recommendation goes to Dr. Griffitts.

Todd TGoogle Review

★★★★★

My husband has had work done on his mouth several times over the years and there is NO ONE better. Dr. Griffitts has the most reassuring, calm, caring ways as well as being excellent at his profession. We've gone to a lot of Dr.s and dentists over the years and he is by far the best. He also has a great staff to match. We don't run into that often.

Melissa MGoogle Review

★★★★★

Dr Griffitts and Staff, After anticipating a less than pleasant surgical experience, I was pleasantly surprised as I heard those words, “Got it, the tooth is out.” Dr Griffitts your amazing skill and kind encouragement were so appreciated! Do all of your surgical patients walk out of your office after a tooth extraction feeling as if they had been on a vacation? I certainly did! That is why I will highly recommend you to my friends and family. ♡ Gratefully, Vicky Sims

Vicky SGoogle Review

★★★★★

This is a very organized dental office. The staff is upbeat, friendly, and well trained. This is not my first visit with Dr Griffith, having had implants done previously, and have found him very knowledgeable about his profession, takes time to explain procedures, and knows what needs to be done to get the best result. This is where i will go for this type of dental procedures, and am happy he is in the Coeur d Alene/Hayden area.

Ron GGoogle Review

★★★★★

After a week of agony, multiple visits to a denist, and the Emergency Room, Dr Griffitts was the only one that ended my nightmare. Some of the kindest, gentle, and understanding people work at this office. Despite being worried the procedure I was doing was harsh - I didnt feel a thing. I will never go to another oral surgeon again. If you need urgent oral care and are on the fence - jump off on the side of Dr Griffiitts. Guy is awesome and im so grateful for everyone who took care of me here.

Michael BGoogle Review

★★★★★

First of all, let me say how calming the office atmosphere here is. From the front office staff to everyone in the back, everyone was so kind and welcoming. They explained everything about wisdom teeth extraction to me and my child in a way that was informative but not scary. My daughter was definitely more at ease because everyone was friendly and made every effort to make her comfortable. I know that any medical or dental procedures my daughter has in the future will be easier because of her experience here. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a low-stress wisdom teeth removal experience.

Jennifer HGoogle Review

Visit Us

8724 N Wayne Dr
Hayden, ID 83835

Contact Us

Phone: (208) 667-0824
Fax: (208) 667-1216
[email protected]

Office Hours

Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Sat–Sun: Closed

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