Procedure Instructions

Dental Implants – Post Surgery Care


Bleeding

It is normal to have some bleeding following dental implant placement. It is, however, usually less than with other surgeries in the mouth. A folded piece of gauze should be placed over the implant site and bite with firm pressure for 30-45 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Swelling

Swelling following dental implant surgery is normal. It will increase until the third day after surgery. Ice packs placed on the side of surgery for 15 minutes at a time will help minimize the swelling. This is usually only helpful for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated will also help prevent the swelling from settling in the cheeks.

Pain Control

  • Dental Implant surgery is usually less painful than extractions or other surgical procedures in the mouth.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are a good way to control post-operative pain and swelling if you are not allergic or intolerant. Start taking Motrin (Ibuprofen) as prescribed immediately after surgery and as often as allowed during the first two days after surgery. It can be taken at the same time as prescribed narcotics and will often work better when combined with either the narcotic or Tylenol. Since Ibuprofen can also help prevent swelling it is recommended to continue this for mild discomfort after narcotic use has ended.
  • Prescribed Narcotic Pain Medicine: If the Motrin does not control the discomfort alone, take the prescribed narcotic as well. The two drugs can be taken together. You should not drive or make important decisions while taking the narcotic pain medicine. Common side effects of narcotic pain medicine include nausea and vomiting, constipation and dizziness.

Eating

  • It is important to drink lots of fluids to replenish your body after fasting.
  • ​Soft foods will be more comfortable while you are healing during the first few days: eggs, soups, soft pasta, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, ice cream, shakes, etc.

Brushing

  • Start brushing normally 24 hours after surgery. Be gentle in the area of the wound. Do not disturb the stitches. If they are dissolvable, they will fall out on their own within a few days.
  • ​There may be a metal cylinder slightly protruding through the gum tissue. This is a connecting abutment and should be brushed just like a tooth once the gums have healed around it. It should be kept free of plaque and bacteria to keep the implant below it healthy.

Oral surgical care in a safe, warm, and caring environment!

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5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless did an amazing job. I needed a wisdom tooth extracted that had a large cavity. He got it out whole in less than 1 minute. He is great. His staff is wonderful too. My whole experience was great. I will refer anyone that needs an oral surgeon!

Pamela W.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

I went to get my wisdom teeth removed a few days ago & i could not wait to leave a review. My experience was absolutely PHENOMENAL. I wish i could give them more stars. Everyone at the facility was nice, accommodating and very professional. The procedure was done very quickly and they even gave me Ted Drew’s afterwards! My recovery has been unbelievably easy & fast. I had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted and there was very little swelling. I’ve barely had to take any pain medication and i was even able to eat the next day! I’m convinced they are magicians because the entire experience was just so great it seemed unreal! I never leave reviews but I just had to after receiving such amazing treatment. They definitely live up to the reviews!

Keyonna H.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

My father had gone for a root canal the night before and a root fracture was discovered so the tooth could not be saved. We called the next morning to set up an oral surgery appointment and Dr. Loveless was able to accommodate him the same day. The staff explained everything in great detail regarding finances and post operative instructions. Dr. Loveless also discovered another area of concern and removed an additional tooth. This was extremely helpful since my dad is on blood thinners and we really wanted to avoid having to make two trips. Very clean office as well. Will recommend everyone we know to the practice.

5 of 5 stars of 811

Very friendly staff. Doctor spent time to explain and answer questions. Easy to make an appointment. Easy to get a recheck. Staff and Doctor made themselves readily available for questions after surgery even during holidays.

Laurie M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless,

Thank you for making my tooth extraction so quick and easy. I was expecting a lot of pain. Haven’t experienced any residual pain, either since I woke up the following morning. You should hang a shingle stating “painless Dentist”!! Also, your staff is so kind and attentive. I would definitely come back when needed, and recommend you to anyone in need. Though I don’t wish that pre-surgery pain on any person (or animal) for that matter!

 

5 of 5 stars of 811

The Staff was very helpful, Chrissy made my visit wonderful, she made me feel at ease and helped me to not be apprehensive. Dr. Loveless did a great job of extracting my tooth. I would highly recommend him and his staff.

5 of 5 stars of 811

I went to have my wisdom teeth removed and it was the most pleasant experience. The staff and physician were very friendly and immediately put me at ease. The office was beautiful and exceptionally clean and I would definitely recommend their services to anyone and everyone!

Holly P.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

What can I say? No one likes to visit the dentist…especially for anything other than having their teeth cleaned. I am no different. Hated that I had to have a tooth taken out but it was necessary. I was referred here by my dentist to see Dr. Loveless. If I ever have to have anything else done from an oral surgeon, I would never wish to see anyone else. Dr. Loveless and his staff not only made me feel less anxious but they were super nice and made sure that I knew everything that was being done. I would refer them to anyone with complete confidence! If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. I want to tell them all thank you for making this process much easier on me. Just an amazing staff and surgeon!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

My experience with the ladies and Doctor Loveless was great. I had never been put under by anesthesia before and they made me comfortable and very relaxed. They took care of me from the beginning consultation to leaving minus 4 teeth. Thankfully Dr. Loveless is a younger man so he will hopefully be around to treat my children with the same care, someday.

5 of 5 stars of 811

We were headed to Florida when my son came down with an abscessed tooth. Dr. Loveless was able to get us in and remove his tooth before our flight. I can’t thank Laurie enough for making what could be a scary experience for my 7 year old, a fun, pleasant one. I can’t express how thankful I am for her treating him like her own and making sure he was comfortable. She went above and beyond in my eyes and made this nervous mom rest a little easier. Thank you both!!!

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St. Louis Office

Office: (314) 328-5995

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St. Louis, MO 63109

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Address:
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Washington, MO 63090

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