• Take prescribed pain medication as directed. If given an opioid, use only as needed and follow dosing instructions exactly. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) or acetaminophen may be recommended alone or in combination based on your medical history — follow our team’s guidance.

• Expect increasing discomfort for the first 48–72 hours, then gradual improvement. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face over the surgical area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling and pain. If the icepacks make the pain worse, you can hold off.

• Please note that opioids have 2 common side effects: nausea and constipation, usually in that order. If you need help with nausea or constipation, please feel free to reach out to our office for guidance.

• Some oozing or light bleeding is normal for the first 48-72 hours. Note that blood is similar to food coloring - one small drop of blood can make everything look red! Bite gently but firmly on the provided gauze for 30–45 minutes. Replace gauze as needed with clean, folded gauze.

• If bleeding persists or is heavy (soaking more than one gauze every 30–45 minutes), sit upright, apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean tea bag to the area for 20–30 minutes, and contact our office.

• Swelling typically peaks 48–72 hours after surgery and then slowly resolves over 7–10 days. Continue cold compresses on day 1; switch to warm compresses after 48 hours if helpful.

• Mild bruising of the face or neck can occur and will fade in 1–2 weeks.

• Do not rinse vigorously for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) 4–6 times daily, especially after meals.

• Brush teeth gently, avoiding direct brushing over surgical sites for the first few days. Resume gentle brushing of non-surgical areas immediately to maintain cleanliness.

• If a perioperative antimicrobial mouth rinse (chlorhexidine) is prescribed, use as directed.

• Follow a soft or liquid diet for the first 1-2 weeks or as directed by the team. Examples: smoothies (no straw), soups (not hot), mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs. If the food is soft enough to squish with the flat side of a fork, it is probably soft enough to eat.

• Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, hard, or chewy foods that can irritate the surgical site or disturb healing.

• Do not use straws for the first 7–10 days to avoid suction forces that can dislodge blood clots, impair healing, or cause other complications such as a dry socket or sinus communication.

• Stay hydrated but avoid alcohol while taking prescription medications and during the initial healing phase.

• Rest the day of surgery. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for at least 3–7 days or until cleared by our team, as increased blood pressure can worsen bleeding and swelling.

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 2 weeks after surgery (longer if possible). Smoking significantly delays healing and greatly increases the risk of implant failure.

• Avoid alcohol for at least 48–72 hours and while taking antibiotics or opioid pain medication.

• Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed until finished. Be aware that some antibiotics can make some forms of birth control less effective, however most antibiotics that are used for oral surgery are not associated with this problem.

• Take any other prescribed medications (e.g., anti-inflammatories, anti-nausea, stool softeners, etc.) per our instructions.

• If you have concerns about medication interactions or allergies, contact our office or your pharmacist.

• If sutures were placed, follow instructions regarding removal—some sutures dissolve, others require removal at a follow-up visit (typically 7–14 days).

• If a temporary prosthesis or immediate denture was placed, avoid chewing on hard foods with it and follow specific care instructions provided. Do not adjust it yourself—contact your dentist’s office for adjustments.

• Excessive bleeding that does not stop with pressure.

• Severe or increasing pain not relieved by prescribed medications.

• Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C) or persistent chills. Be sure not to take an oral temperature.

• Persistent, worsening swelling after 5–7 days.

• Pus, foul odor, foul discharge, or an unusual taste suggesting an infection.

• Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation that is new or worsening beyond the expected numbness after local anesthesia.

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so the surgical sites and implants can be evaluated and healing monitored.

• Long-term oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the success of your implants.

If you have questions, concerns, or emergency symptoms, contact Glacier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery during business hours. For after-hours urgent issues, follow the emergency contact instructions provided at your visit.