Mini Dental Implants (MDI) by 3M

Post Operative Instructions for Mini Dental Implants

1. Protection of the blood clot and surgical site
Slight bleeding after implants is normal and may last for several hours. If bleeding is excessive then bite gently on folded gauze directly over bleeding area and replace as needed. If there is no active bleeding then leave the gauze out. Sit up or semi-recline. Avoid spitting, strenuous activity, bending over, sucking through a straw for 24 hours. No smoking for 48 hours.

2. Swelling / Fever
A cool pack placed on face will be beneficial to help control swelling and bleeding. If you were given a jaw bra wear it as much as possible for 4 days. If extreme swelling occurs or a temperature above 101.5 contact my office.

3. Pain
Some discomfort is normal following oral surgery. If pain medication is prescribed, take only as directed. Often it is beneficial to take the medication after eating to help prevent nausea. Do not drive while using narcotic pain medications.

4. No Smoking or Alcohol
Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 48 hours following oral surgery. This may cause the disruption of healthy blood clot formation and increase in complications such as wound breakdown and post-operative infections.

5. Diet
No hot liquids/acidic foods/drinks
Eat something when you feel ready. Cool liquids are best for the first 48 hours but avoid sucking through straws. Progress to a pureed diet. Stay on a soft diet for 2 weeks. Then you can advance to a soft diet (foods you can pinch through with your fingers) until the implants are fused to the bone 3-6 months.

6. Rinsing
For the first 24 hours after surgery: No rinse. Rinsing may dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the normal process of healing. From one day after surgery until healing is complete rinse very gently 2 times per day with salt water.

7. Care of remaining teeth & Implants / Cleanliness and healing
The remaining teeth (if any) should be given their usual care. Brush three times a day. A clean mouth will heal faster. Be careful around the operative site. As healing progresses, past 6 weeks, start to brush the implants with a soft bristle toothbrush. Be gentle. Also floss but do not “shoe shine” with the floss. DO NOT BRUSH THE GUMS.

8. Dentures
Take denture out at night and leave in water overnight. Clean the dentures inside and outside. Use denture paste (not toothpaste) and use a denture brush. Clean the implant button attachments that are inside the denture thoroughly. If there is a soft reline material be careful no to roughen it or dislodge it.

9. Nausea

Nausea is a normal side effect of narcotic pain medications. If you have severe nausea or vomiting you may need to stop the pain medications or to take an additional anti-nausea medication.

10. Injection site
After having intravenous anesthesia, the arm vein may become hardened and tender. Apply moist heat over the area for one hour three times a day for three days. Contact me if there is no improvement

11. Antibiotics and Contraception
Take antibiotic as prescribed until finished. Contraceptives may be ineffective while taking an antibiotic. Use extra precautions. 


View or Download Post Operative Instructions for Mini Dental Implant (MDI) Surgery (shown above)

Long Term Care Instructions for Mini Dental Implant Dentures