1. Bleeding
- Light oozing is normal for the first 24-48 hours.
- Bite on thick, folded gauze for 30 minutes; replace as needed.
- Avoid: spitting, rinsing vigorously, using straws, or touching the surgical area.
2. Swelling & Bruising
- Swelling increases for 48–72 hours, and should gradually resolve after the 3rd day.
- Use ice packs for the first 24 hours: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
- Use a warm compress/wash cloth after the first 24 hours.
- Keep your head elevated on 3-4 pillows when resting.
3. Pain Control
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
- We recommend 800mg ibuprofen every 8 hours, with Tylenol 500-1000mg at the “4 hour mark” in between ibuprofen doses, and setting a schedule for the first 3 days.
- Do not wait until the pain is severe to take your medication.
- Take medications with food to avoid stomach upset.
4. Antibiotics
- If prescribed, take the full course exactly as directed.
5. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol
- No smoking or vaping for at least 12 weeks — it dramatically increases the risk of implant failure.
- No alcohol for 72 hours, and none while on pain medications or antibiotics.
6. Diet (VERY Important)
Your temporary bridge is attached to healing implants — it is not meant for chewing hard foods.
For the first 4 months: SOFT DIET ONLY
Foods you can eat:
- Scrambled eggs, yogurt, applesauce
- Mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pasta
- Soups, smoothies (no straws)
- Soft fish, steamed veggies
Avoid:
- Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
- Raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, chips
- Tough meats
- Biting directly into anything
This protects the implants during osseointegration (healing).
7. Oral Hygiene
First 24 hours:
- Do NOT rinse, spit forcefully, or brush near the surgical area.
After 24 hours:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water 3–5 times daily, especially after meals/snacks.
- Brush the teeth of the prosthesis gently with a soft brush.
- Do NOT brush the gumline around the surgical sites.
- Avoid water flossers or electric flossers until your surgeon approves (usually after 2-week visit).
8. Caring for the Temporary Prosthesis
- This is a temporary prosthesis — the final bridge will be stronger and more precise.
- Avoid heavy biting or clenching.
- Expect slight pressure on gums at first.
- Speech may be altered temporarily and will improve.
9. What to Watch For — Call Your Surgeon If:
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop
- Pain not relieved by prescribed medications
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Increased swelling after day 3
- Foul taste or drainage suggesting infection
- The prosthesis feels very loose or breaks
- Sudden “popping” or unusual movement in the bridge
10. Follow-Up Appointments
Typical schedule:
- 2 weeks: healing check with surgeon
- 1 month: soft tissue and prosthesis evaluation with surgeon
- 3-4 months: implant evaluation with surgeon, impressions for the final prosthesis with dentist
- 4–6 months: delivery of final bridge with dentist
