After Healing-Locator Abutments

The second stage procedure has been done to connect abutment posts to the top of your implants. It is important that you treat these posts as natural teeth in terms of cleaning and care. If you wear a denture over the area, we will modify this appliance so it can be worn sparingly until your new teeth can be made. The following instructions will help you to look after your new abutment over the next few weeks.

Immediately Following Surgery

Bite on Gauze over the surgical area as needed to control bleeding.  Discard gauze when the bleeding has stopped.  Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided.  Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.

DIET

Start with a soft diet as much as possible and advance your diet as comfortable.. You may also wish to avoid spicy foods for several days. Please ensure you get adequate nutrition to aid healing.

DISCOMFORT

You may feel some mild discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) will generally be enough to control this.

SUTURES

Your sutures may be either self-dissolving or could require removal. We will advise you at the time of your surgery.

HYGIENE

Starting today you should rinse your mouth 3-5 times per day with warm, slightly salty water (1/2 teaspoon in a tall glass of water) for the following week. It is ok to brush your teeth after surgery, avoiding any areas with stitches. You may use the Chlorhexidine rinse from your implant surgery if you have any left. 

WHAT IS NEXT/FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

We do not need to see you back right away unless there is a problem.  You should have an appointment scheduled with your dentist in approximately two weeks after abutment placement, so that they could start making the crown that will go on your implant, or attach your denture to your implants.  If possible, we would like to see you back in one year to check on your implant.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at Portland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Phone Number (207) 387-2055.  After hours, you will reach our answering service and they will page the doctor and have him call you back.