To ensure a safe and comfortable recovery, please review the following:
● Purchase recommended soft foods in advance (see approved food list).
● Arrange for a responsible adult (chaperone) to:
○ Accompany you to your appointment
○ Drive you home after surgery
○ Remain available for at least 3–4 hours after you return home
● Avoid stairs unless assisted for the first 24 hours.
● Do not operate vehicles, heavy machinery, or engage in hazardous activities for 24 hours.
● Do not sign legal documents or make important financial decisions for 24 hours due to sedation effects.
● If you have pets, arrange for assistance with their care (e.g., walking) for the first 24 hours.
● Refrain from smoking before and after surgery.
● Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications, delays healing, and may lead to implant failure.
● A soft food diet is required for approximately 2–3 months.
● Avoid hard or chewy foods, as they may compromise implant stability.
● Mild bruising and discoloration may occur.
● This typically resolves within 10–14 days.
● Products may be provided to help minimize bruising.
● Ice Application
○ Use an ice bandage immediately after surgery.
○ Apply ice for 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off continuously for 24 hours. ○ Replace ice packs as needed.
● Positioning
○ Sleep with your head elevated at a 30-degree angle (use extra pillows). ● Diet
○ Consume liquid or pureed foods only (e.g., soups, yogurt, pudding, protein drinks).
○ Avoid:
■ Hot foods and beverages
■ Spicy foods
■ Carbonated drinks
○ Do not skip meals—maintain adequate nutrition.
● Transition to approved soft foods (see list below).
● Continue avoiding hot liquids for 1 week.
● Swelling may increase around day 3—this is normal.
● Begin warm compresses on day 3:
○ Apply moist heat for 20 minutes at a time for several hours.
● Light oozing or intermittent bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours.
● Blood may appear excessive when mixed with saliva.
● Do NOT:
○ Spit, rinse, or use straws for 48 hours
○ Blow your nose for 7 days (upper arch procedures only)
○ Engage in strenuous activity for 7 days
● Apply moist gauze with gentle pressure for 20 minutes.
● Repeat as needed for up to one hour.
● Contact the office if bleeding is heavy or does not subside.
● Take prescribed medications as directed for the first 48 hours. ● Avoid alcohol and driving while taking pain medication.
● For mild discomfort (if advised by your provider):
○ Ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may be used
● Pain should gradually improve. Contact the office if it worsens or persists.
● May occur due to medications.
● Reduce risk by:
○ Taking medication with food
○ Drinking plenty of fluids
● Contact the office if symptoms persist.
● Sutures will be placed after surgery.
● Do not disturb them.
● They will either:
○ Dissolve on their own, or
○ Be removed in 10–14 days
● Use prescribed chlorhexidine rinse:
○ Rinse for 30 seconds, twice daily
○ Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterward
● Final prosthesis fabrication typically begins 3–6 months after surgery. ● The temporary prosthesis:
○ Is designed to minimize pressure on implants
○ May have fewer teeth than the final restoration
● Long-term maintenance:
○ Wear and tear is normal over time
○ Replacement of components may be necessary in the future
● Diet Guidelines
● Approved Soft Foods
● Oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat
● Scrambled eggs
● Yogurt
● Pancakes
● Nutritional drinks (Ensure®, Boost®)
● Flaky fish
● Tuna or salmon
● Egg or tuna salad
● Soft ground beef (after 6 weeks)
● Soft rotisserie chicken (after 6 weeks)
● Applesauce
● Pudding, Jell-O®, custards
● Ice cream, milkshakes
● Soft fruits (bananas, mango, avocado)
● Soups (vegetable, split pea)
● Pasta (well-cooked, not al dente)
● Mashed potatoes, beans
● Stews, casseroles, steamed vegetables
● Hard, crunchy, or fried foods
● Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
● Popcorn, chips, pretzels
● Hard breads or crusts
● Sticky foods (taffy, gum, candy bars)
● Raw fruits with seeds
● Rice (for 3 weeks)
● Ice chewing
● Important:
Do NOT bite into foods with your front teeth while wearing the temporary prosthesis.
Please call immediately if you experience:
● Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding
● Severe or worsening pain
● Persistent nausea or vomiting
● Signs of infection (fever, unusual swelling, discharge) ● Nasal bleeding (for upper procedures)
