Pre-Healing & Post Healing

Instructions

Pre-Healing Instructions

What to expect at your healing appointment

Beginning of Your Healing Appointment

You will be greeted by our amazing front office staff. If you have a driver for the day, we will get their contact info.

You will then be brought back by our assistant team. They will take your vitals and answer any questions you may have.

Tooth Removal

There may be some pressure and noises, but we will ensure your comfort.

Implant Placement

There are several ways your doctor may place your implant.

  • Freehand

Conclusion Of Appointment

If you were sedated, we will bring your driver back to the room and give them any additional instructions. You will also be wheeled to the vehicle if you were sedated.

Healing

Follow all instructions given to you prior and during your appointment to reach optimal healing. Nourish your body with whole foods and get plenty of rest.

Pre-Sedation Instructions

  • Two weeks prior to your appointment, no grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

  • 2 Days prior to the appointment – please drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear fluids, in addition to your normal caffeinated drinks. This will help you to stay hydrated for your appointment the next day. No alcohol at least 24 hours prior to appointment.

  • NOTHING to eat eight hours before the appointment.

  • 4-8 hours before the appointment, any form of clear liquid is OK, but no pulp or dairy.

  • Take ALL of your normal medications prescribed by your doctor UNLESS TOLD OTHERWISE, with one sip of water only.

  • Unless specified by your dentist, all medicines taken on a routine basis should be continued without interruption. Please swallow with a minimal amount of water if taken within 4 hours prior to the appointment. If you are asthmatic, please bring your inhaler.

  • No Cannabis use the night before or the day of the appointment.

  • A responsible adult (18 years or older) MUST accompany you to the clinic and drive you home. If your driver leaves the building, they need to leave their cell phone number with the front office and be no more than 30 minutes from the office. A responsible adult should also remain with the patient for the next 24 hours. The medication has a very strong amnesia effect and frequently you do not remember going home; thus, taking a cab or bus is NOT permitted.

  • Your judgment and reflexes may be impaired following the anesthetic; you should refrain from driving a car or operating machinery for 24 hours following your appointment.

  • We will need access to your upper arm, so please wear a shirt/blouse with LOOSE FITTING sleeves. Additionally, monitor leads are attached to index fingers, arms and/or legs. For this reason, nail polish or acrylic nails should be removed from the patient on both index fingers. Do not wear pantyhose. Do not arrange your hair in a ponytail or bun style at the back of your neck. Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of the surgery as they can interfere with monitoring equipment. Also, please wear low-heeled shoes, since your coordination will be impaired after surgery.

  • If you wear contact lenses, DO NOT wear them when you come in for your visit. Dentures, or any jewelry, especially on your lips and tongue need to be taken out prior to surgery and reinserted at home when fully recovered.

  • ANTIBIOTIC PREMEDICATION. If you have been given premedication for your heart or artificial joints, please take them one hour before the surgery with small sips of water only.

  • If you do not take the antibiotics your dentist prescribed we may not proceed with your planned surgery. Antibiotics are required NOT just recommended, they are used as an antioxidant to aid in healing and kill infection.

  • Failure to follow these instructions may result in the cancelation of the sedation appointment.

What will I be able to Eat?

First 3 Days Liquid Diet

  • Whole Food Juicing and Smoothies

  • Warm Smooth Soups

  • Broths

  • Plenty of Water, stay hydrated

First 2 Weeks Soft Foods

  • Foods soft enough to mash with utensil (doesn’t need to be chewed)

  • Blended Soups

  • Soft Pastas

  • Mashed Potatoes and Mashed Veggies

First 4 Months

  • Will discuss at 2 week follow up

We have partnered with Portland Juice Co. to offer our patients the highest organic quality pressed juices to aid in your healing journey.

You can order direct from from Portland Juice Compay and have it delivered to you or have it delivered to our office and have it ready to take home on the day of your healing appointment.

15% off your entire purchase for our patients!

use code: lotus

Rest is Best

Following your healing treatment, it is recommended to rest for 3 days.

Avoid exercising, heavy lifting and extraneous activities. Take this time to let your body recover.

Post-Healing Instructions

What to Expect

Here are some normal signs during the healing process

  • Bleeding

  • Swelling

  • Bruising

  • Dry Lips

  • Discomfort

  • Slight Fever

  • Jaw Soreness and Stiffness

  • Granules if you had a bone graft

Things To Do

  • Keep the area clean

  • Ice 20 minutes every 4-6 hours when you take your meds or pain management for the first 24 hours/as needed. Do not over ice area. Keep 20-minute intervals

  • Use warm saltwater rinses after meals

  • Take medications as prescribed

  • Eat clean, healthy whole foods

  • Sleep with head elevated

  • Wear essix if applicable

  • Follow up with appointments

  • Follow Doctor recommendations

Things To Avoid

First 36-48 hours

  • Spitting

  • Drinking through a straw

  • Vigorous rinsing/swishing

  • Heat

  • Exercise

  • Brushing surgical site

  • Touching site with finger or tongue

  • Smoking for 2 weeks

  • Wearing night guard or retainer for a few days

  • Waterpik in surgical site

  • Do not oil pull for 2 weeks or use mouth rinses that contain alcohol

  • *Be cautious not to chew directly on implant site*

If you had a Sinus Lift

  • Do not blow your nose for the next seven days.

  • Do not sneeze holding your nose, sneeze with your mouth open.

  • Keep sinus pressure reduced for at least four weeks post surgery.

    Ex. Do not bear down and hold breath, fly in an aircraft, blow balloons.

  • Keep sinus pressure reduced for at 2 weeks.

  • A nasal decongestant can be taken to reduce sinus pressure if needed Ex. Sudafed, Dimetapp, Drixoral.

Pain Control

Take an anti-inflammatory every 6 hours. You can alternate with acetaminophen if needed for pain.

  • Examples: 600mg Ibuprofen or 10mg of Ketorlac

  • Do not exceed the daily limit (Refer to medication bottle)

  • No ibuprofen if taking Ketolorac or Toradol.

Take anti-inflammatory for 3 days minimum regardless of pain to help with inflammation.

  • Inflammation lessens blood flow and healing to the area and can cause more discomfort.

What Can I Eat?

First 3 Days Liquid Diet

  • Whole Food Juicing and Smoothies

  • Warm Smooth Soups

  • Broths

  • Plenty of Water, stay hydrated

First 2 Weeks Soft Foods

  • Foods soft enough to mash with utensil (doesn’t need to be chewed)

  • Blended Soups

  • Soft Pastas

  • Mashed Potatoes and Mashed Veggies

First 4 Months

  • Will discuss at 2 week follow up

We have partnered with Portland Juice Co. to offer our patients the highest organic quality pressed juices to aid in your healing journey.

You can order direct from from Portland Juice Compay and have it delivered to you or have it delivered to our office and have it ready to take home on the day of your healing appointment.

15% off your entire purchase for our patients!

use code: lotus

Home Care

You can brush and rinse gently, but avoid flossing near the surgical site.

A soft-bristled brush is provided for you in your take-home care package.

Use the recovery kit three times a day.