It is important to us that our patients are informed during every step of their treatment so that they are well prepared and have the chance to ask questions. The following information is a starting point for researching your procedure and should assist in developing a list of questions to ask during your consultation. Should you have any questions, please call us at 814-234-4444.
After Tooth Removal or Dental Implant Surgery:
Tooth extractions and implant placements are surgical procedures that require some post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the site, which should not be removed for at least 10-15 minutes; then discard unless instructed otherwise. Minor oozing from the site is expected and normal throughout the first day.
Please refrain from drinking from a straw, drinking carbonated beverages or alcohol, and/or smoking to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Limit your activities that day. You can resume your regular activities the following day. Take any medications as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off. An ice pack can be applied on and off every 10-20 minutes to minimize swelling the during the first 48 hours. Sleeping with your head elevated will also help minimize swelling. If you develop a fever, rash, or if you have any questions about your healing please contact us immediately. We prefer to see all our patients for a complimentary follow up visit.
After Pinhole Surgery:
The Pinhole procedure is also a surgical procedure that requires a 6-week post-operative care regimen to reduce the chance of infection, loss of the graft, or other complications. An ice pack should be placed over the area on and off every 10 minutes for the first 48 hours. Limit your activities that day. Sleeping with your head elevated will also help minimize swelling. You can resume your regular activities the following day unless instructed otherwise. Please take any medications as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off.
Please refrain from drinking from a straw, drinking carbonated beverages or alcohol, and/or smoking. Please do not touch site, brush/floss/waterpik site, eat in area of site, or pull on your lip to look at the site for 6 weeks following surgery. If you develop a fever, rash, or if you have any questions about your healing please contact us immediately. Bruising and swelling are anticipated 24-28 hours post-surgery. We prefer to see all our patients for a complimentary follow up visit the next day, a week out, 3 weeks out and 6 weeks out from your surgery date to ensure adequate wound healing.
Please refer to your detailed list of post-operative instructions to help prevent further complications.