After Dental Implants

Following your dental implant placement in Lake Oswego, Oregon, our dentist will provide you with instructions to help you recover and maximize the benefits of your treatment. Please follow these instructions closely. If you have any questions or would like to schedule your follow-up appointment with Dr. Patrick Morrissey, call Boones Ferry Dental today at 503-699-6699.

After Your Implant Placement

Managing Pain, Discomfort and Swelling

• Use pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Advil or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
• You will experience some swelling following your procedure. You can reduce swelling by applying ice or cold compress to the side of your face at 15-20 minute intervals for the first 48 hours. After the first 48 hours switch to heat instead, and continue applying heat until the swelling diminishes.

Oral Hygiene During Recovery

• Do not rinse your mouth for the rest of the day after your procedure.
• The day after your procedure begin rinsing with warm saltwater every two to three hours. We recommend using ½ tsp of salt per 8 oz. water. Do this for several days. Then you can reduce your rinsing schedule to after meals and before bed – you should rinse your mouth on that schedule for two weeks.
• Begin brushing your teeth the day after your procedure. Take care to avoid the surgical site for several days.

Other Instructions

• Use all prescribed medications, antibiotics and mouthrinses as directed.
• If a temporary crown was placed, avoid biting down until our dentist and team notify you that it is okay to do so.
• Do not wear dentures, partials or other oral appliances until our dentist and team give permission.
• Keep your lips moist with lip balm or Vaseline to prevent cracking.
• Do not operate machinery for at least 12 hours after your procedure.
• Do not use any tobacco products. This includes smoking and vaping.
• If the cover screw or healing abutment of your implant falls out, contact our office so we can replace it. Please bring the loosened component with you to this appointment.
• If you use oral contraceptives and have been prescribed any antibiotics, use an alternate method of birth control until you have complete your course of antibiotics.

If you have any questions about your post-op care or want to schedule a follow-up appointment, please contact our office and speak with our dentist and team.