Post-Op Instructions for Dental Implants in Austin, TX

What to Expect in the First 24–48 Hours

• Bite down gently on the provided gauze pad for 30–45 minutes.
• If bleeding persists, replace with clean gauze and continue applying light pressure.
• Avoid spitting, rinsing forcefully, or using straws—these can dislodge the blood clot.

• Apply ice packs to the outside of the cheek near the surgical area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, during the first 24 hours.
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first 1–2 nights to minimize swelling.
• If swelling increases significantly after 3 days or is accompanied by fever, contact us immediately.

• Take your prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter options exactly as directed.
• Start medications before numbness wears off to stay ahead of discomfort.
• Complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics.

Oral Hygiene & Implant Site Care

• Do not rinse, brush near the surgical site, or floss.
  
• Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers.
  

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) after meals and before bed.
  
• Resume brushing your other teeth, avoiding the surgical area.
  
• After 1 week, you may gently clean around the implant using a soft toothbrush or implant-specific cleaning tools (as instructed by Dr. Shah).