Immediate Fixed Implant Conversion Instructions

Begin taking pain medication as soon as the local anesthetic wears off. For mild to moderate pain, ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) may be taken. Prescription 600mg ibuprofen may have been called in, or over-the-counter 200mg tablets can be taken as 3 tablets every 6 hours as needed for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, increase the interval to every 8 hours. Additional prescribed pain medication may be used as directed. Always take medication with food. Avoid any medication you are allergic to or have been instructed to avoid by your doctor.

Drink plenty of fluids immediately after surgery. For 12 weeks post-implant placement, follow a soft food diet to prevent implant movement. Chewing foods that require multiple strokes or produce a crunch may cause implant failure or break temporary dentures. The rule of thumb: “eat only foods that can be cut with a fork.”

• Weeks 1–4: Soups, stews, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, small lentils, fruit/veggie smoothies with yogurt.
• Weeks 4–8: Soft small pastas, finely ground meats, softer fish, soft cooked vegetables. Eat small bites.
• Weeks 8–12: Shredded meats, spaghetti-style pasta.

In rare cases, the acrylic temporary denture may break. If this happens, call our office immediately.

Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection and support healing.

Good oral hygiene is essential for healing. Begin using the prescribed mouth rinse (Peridex™) twice daily starting the day after surgery. In addition, swish with warm salt water 6–8 times per day (1 teaspoon salt in 8oz water).

1–2 weeks after surgery, when initial healing is complete, begin using a Waterpik to clean under the denture twice daily and as needed. Purchase a Waterpik with variable settings 1–10, and do not use until instructed by Dr. Abey or Dr. Phasuk. Swelling of gum tissue is normal initially and will recede as healing progresses, creating space between the denture and gums. This will be corrected with your final denture.

You will see your dentist the day after surgery for any necessary denture adjustments. Dr. Abey or Dr. Phasuk will also check your healing in 1–2 weeks. For any questions or concerns, contact our office at Prosthodontics of Central Indiana Phone Number (317) 574-0866 at any time.