After Implants or Grafting Procedures
Additional instructions apply for any implants or bone/soft tissue grafting procedures.
Frequently, the stitches for these procedures are NOT dissolvable. We need additional
time for the wound to heal to protect the underlying implant or graft. The stitches will
need to remain in the wound for up to four weeks. During this period:
• PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THE WOUND AND SUTURES. It will be a natural
tendency for your tongue to touch and play with the sutures. This will cause
early wound breakdown and exposure of the implant or graft, resulting in a higher
failure rate.
• Keep all chewing limited to the opposite side (the side not operated on) of the
mouth.
• Do not brush over the fresh wound for at least two weeks. Following the second
day, you may rinse your mouth gently, not too vigorously.
• As the swelling subsides, it might feel like the stitches are loosening up. Please
do NOT cut them.
• Partial dentures or flippers should not be used immediately after surgery until
your post-operative appointment, unless you are specifically instructed otherwise.
Even when worn, they should be used as little as possible during the first two
weeks of the healing period. When the denture is placed, it should not touch the
gums in the area of the surgery. If it does, this can cause ulceration of the wound
edges and breakdown of the suture margins. This can lead to failure of the graft
or implant. When you are at home and not in public, please take them out.
• Depending on the site and bone quality, your doctor may attach a temporary
tooth to the implant. This tooth is for esthetics only and should NOT be used for
chewing or function until the implant is fully healed (up to 3 months).
