Post-Op Instructions

It is important that you follow the instructions given to you from our dentist after you have received treatment at Dakota Implant & Sedation Center. In order to help you prepare for your recovery, whether you have received dental implants, All-on-4® implants or dentures, we have provided these resources to help you:

If you have any questions about your post-op instructions or if you want to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Matthew Eaton, contact our restorative dental office at 701-343-9133.

All-On-4

Learn More

Sinus Graft

Learn More

Post Implant Placement

Learn More

Dentures

Learn More

Your smile journey starts here.

Request your consultation and take the first step toward a confident new smile.

Request Appointment

All-on-4®

There are several things that you will need to do after you have received All-on-4® implant-supported dentures so that you can enjoy all the benefits of your renewed smile. After completing your treatment, our dentist will provide you with post-op instructions so you can heal and recover as well as return to your regular daily activities. After you receive All-on-4® implant-supported dentures, we recommend that you:

Clean your teeth and mouth with a Waterpik and gentle brushing.

Standards of oral hygiene are crucial to the success of your All-on-4® implants. Clean gently but thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Using a Waterpik is highly recommended as it can irrigate beneath the denture to flush out any debris.

Watch your bite.

If your bite is heavy in one area, it may be a sign of problems. Please contact our office and make an appointment with our dentist.

Eat a soft diet.

Chew only very soft foods for the first six weeks after surgery. Some soft foods you may consider include:

  • Jell-O
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream
  • Smoothies and protein shakes
  • Milkshakes
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Oatmeal
  • Soups
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Cottage cheese
  • Applesauce
  • Pancakes

Avoid exercise for the first 48 hours after treatment.

Rest and avoid physical activity for two days. After the first 48 hours, you may resume regular activities as you can tolerate them.

Sinus Graft

Dr. Eaton will provide you with post-op instructions after you receive a sinus grafting treatment. These instructions will help you heal and recover so that you can regain your oral health and return to your regular daily activities.

After a sinus grafting procedure, it is common to have some swelling and discoloration or bruising beneath the eyelids. This swelling and bruising will dissipate as you heal. You may use ice packs and mild pain relievers to manage discomfort. You may also notice some bleeding from the nose. This is normal in small amounts. If bleeding is severe, please contact our office immediately.

Please avoid:

  • Snorting
  • Sneezing
  • Blowing your nose
  • Spitting
  • Bending your head down
  • Heavy lifting
  • Other activities that increase pressure to your sinus area

If you need to sneeze or cough, keep your mouth open and do not pinch your nose. This will help prevent pressure from building up in the sinus and nasal regions.

Do not rinse your mouth the first day after your surgery. You may begin brushing the day after surgery, but be gentle in the area of the surgery.

Please avoid smoking or using tobacco products after your surgery, as this can inhibit the healing process and cause additional pain. To ensure the best results, we recommend that you avoid smoking as long as possible after your sinus grafting procedure.

Post Implant Placement

To help you recover quickly and avoid complications in your healing process following implant placement, our dentist and team recommend that you follow your post-op care instructions as closely as possible.

  • Do not rinse your mouth for the rest of the day after your procedure.
  • On the day following your procedure, begin rinsing with warm saltwater every two to three hours. (Use a half-teaspoon of salt per eight ounces of water). Do this for several days. Then rinse after meals and at bedtime for two weeks.
  • Use prescribed medications, antibiotics and mouthrinses as directed.
  • Use mild pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Advil or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
  • You may begin brushing your teeth the day after your procedure, but be sure to avoid the surgical site for several days.
  • If a temporary crown was placed, do not bite down until given permission to do so.
  • Do not wear your denture, partial denture or other oral appliance until given permission to do so.
  • You will likely experience some swelling. Apply ice or cold compresses to the side of your face at 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, switch to heat instead, and continue applying heat until the swelling diminishes.
  • Keep your lips moist with lip balm or Vaseline to prevent cracking.
  • Do not operate machinery for at least 12 hours following your procedure.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products — they can cause your implants to fail.
  • If the cover screw or healing abutment of your implant falls out, call our office so that we can replace it. Bring the loosened component with you to this appointment.
  • If you use oral contraceptives and have been prescribed an antibiotic, use an alternate method of birth control until you have completed your course of antibiotics.

Dentures

After you have received dentures, our dentist will provide you with instructions to help you adjust to wearing them and keep them clean and in good condition.

Your dentures may feel awkward when you first begin wearing them. Your speech may seem altered, and you may feel that your mouth is too full. As your mouth adjusts to wearing your dentures, these problems will subside.

Make sure to care for your dentures by cleaning them after each meal. You should use a soft brush and cleaning paste or soapy water. You should also remove your dentures for at least six hours each day to allow your gums to rest. We recommend removing them when you sleep at night. When your dentures are not in your mouth, place them in a small tub of water to prevent them from drying out. Once a week, use a denture cleaning solution instead of water.

Your dentures should be checked at least once annually so that they can be adjusted to meet your needs and receive routine maintenance. These checks can be completed by our dentist at your regular appointments.

Let's get started