Hi,
I had a dental implant (and bone graph) done on Friday. The tooth was
on the top, hench, the oral surgeon basically had to go near the sinus
cavity.
Unfortunately, I had to run into work for a few hours after the
procedure so I didnt ice it right away.  I also didn't really ice it
Friday evening.
I woke up today (Saturday) and it looked like I swallowed a softball!
The swelling starts on my cheek bone all the way to my jaw bone.  I
have iced it all day today - and it doesn't appear to have decreased
the swelling at all.
Was I just too late in the iceing?   How long do you think it will
stay like this? Is there anything I can do to lessen the swelling?
 Thanks,
"The Chipmonk"

Hi Chipmonk,

Definitely give your surgeon a call - slight post-operative swelling
is normal but to be sure your swelling falls within the normal range,
ask your doctor. That said, here are some links which may help you
understand what's been done and what to expect during recovery.

>>>>>> Stages

TIMETABLE OF A TYPICAL COURSE OF IMPLANT TREATMENT
Examination and dignosis X-rays
STAGE 1 SURGERY
Date of surgery
Implants placed in jaw
4 to 5 days after surgery
Swelling disappears
7 to 8 days after surgery
Sutures dissolve or are removed
3 to 6 months after surgery
Healing is completed
http://www.dentavac.com/dental_implants.html

Stages of Dental Implant Treatment: Step 2:
Stage 1 Surgery- Implants are placed in jaw.
Swelling disappears 4 to 7 days after surgery.
Sutures are removed 7 to 10 days following surgery.
A soft diet is recommended during the first 4 to 6 weeks.
http://dentalimplants-usa.com/Treatment/Implants/stages.html

>>>>>> Postoperative Care

Dental Implant Care
Proper care of your implant is important. The following will aid in
optimal healing.
* Avoid Smoking for one month after procedure. You should not smoke
for one month prior to your procedure.
* Have sutures removed in 7-14 days.
* Medications as directed:
    o Antibiotic
    o Pain Meds
    o Mouth Rinse: Peridex, twice daily for three days, beginning the
day after surgery. Stop rinsing after three days and begin topically
painting the region with Q-tip and Peridex twice daily for three
months.
    o Decongestants: if prescribed as directed 
* Eat soft foods for one week, avoid a straw, carbonated beverages,
alcohol, and milk products for three days.
* Oral Hygeine?Beginning the day after you surgery, gently rinse with
warm salt water twice a day. Continue to brush your teeth three times
a day. Beginning at one week, gently brush the implant site to remove
plaque.
* Notify the office immediately of any drainage, redness, swelling or
opening of the surgical incision.
* Pressure must be avoided in the area. You may NOT wear dentures,
partials or prosthetic appliances over the area for two weeks.
http://oralfacial-surgery.com/pages/Procedures/implant_care.html

POSTOPERATIVE ORDERS DENTAL IMPLANTS 
3.  DO - Post operative instructions.
** Ice the surgical area for the first twenty four to forty eight
hours after surgery. Place it on the surgical area for 15 to 20
minutes every hour, as you need it. Place the ice in a plastic bag and
cover it with a towel.  Do not sleep with the  ice pack in place.  Ice
helps with the swelling and bruising.
** After the first twenty-four hours you can place moist heat to the
surgical area. Remember your face is numb; do not place excessively
hot or cold items directly on your skin!
CALL THE ORAL SURGERY CLINIC... if
 ** You have a sudden increase in facial swelling. 
http://www.bamc.amedd.army.mil/oral/postimpl.doc

>>>>>> Swelling

"You can expect some mild postoperative soreness and swelling of the
treated area. This usually dissipates within the first week after
surgery. Discomfort is generally moderate for the first day or two.
Healing time prior to the restoration of missing teeth is
approximately 3 months on the lower jaw, and 6 months on the upper
jaw. During this period of time bone grows into the pores of the
implant to anchor it to the jaw bone."
http://www.ssdental.com/PatEd/implants.htm

For a single endosseous implant, there is very little discomfort.  For
a complete subperiosteal implant, there can be significant swelling
and discomfort for a few days.
http://www.drimplant.com/implant%20FAQ.htm

When to Call Your Surgical specialist
Call your specialist if you have any of these signs:
*Extreme swelling near your jaws or under your tongue
*Fever or ongoing bleeding
*Pain in your jaws, mouth, or sinuses that isn't relieved by your
prescribed medication
http://dentalcarestamford.com/implant5.htm

I hope you'll feel better now about calling your surgeon.  If you have
any questions, please post a clarification request *before*
closing/rating my answer and I'll be happy to reply.

Thank you - wishing you a speedy recovery,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:

postoperative care "dental implant"
"dental implant"
"extreme swelling" after "dental implant"
swelling after "dental implant"

---

Request for Answer Clarification by serenity222-ga on 19 Sep 2004 13:00 PDT

Great answer.  thanks. 
My swelling has gone down some today.  
But..is there any way to get the swelling down some more?  I can't go
to work tomorrow looking like this!

Thanks.

---

Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 19 Sep 2004 13:16 PDT

Hi serenity222, thanks for the good news.

Keep your head higher than your body and avoid bending over. Raise the
head of your bed or use extra pillows. Also avoid picking up anything
heavy. You could gently apply a cold compress (a bag of frozen peas
wrapped in a towell works well as it forms to your face a bit), but
don't press too hard.

It's too bad you can't stay home tomorrow and take it easy - if you go
to work, do try to stay quiet and not bend over too much.

Well, I want to get this off to you  - if I think of anything else,
I'll let you know.
hummer