CIT Patient Care & Post-Operative Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient reports persistent numbness of the lower lip 72 hours after mandibular implant placement. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Reassure the patient that it will resolve on its own
- Contact the implant surgeon immediately to evaluate for nerve injury (Correct answer)
- Prescribe NSAIDs and recheck in 2 weeks
- Adjust the healing abutment to relieve pressure
Correct answer: Contact the implant surgeon immediately to evaluate for nerve injury
Persistent neurosensory disturbance beyond 24–48 hours warrants urgent referral to the surgeon to assess for inferior alveolar nerve compromise.
Question 2: Which oral hygiene aid is most recommended for cleaning around implant healing abutments during the early post-operative period?
- Standard hard-bristle toothbrush
- Oral irrigator at maximum pressure
- Soft-bristle toothbrush with gentle circular strokes (Correct answer)
- Abrasive whitening toothpaste
Correct answer: Soft-bristle toothbrush with gentle circular strokes
A soft-bristle brush with gentle technique minimizes trauma to healing periimplant tissues while removing plaque.
Question 3: Post-operative instructions for implant patients should advise against which activity for at least the first 48 hours?
- Rinsing with warm salt water
- Eating soft foods
- Vigorous physical exercise (Correct answer)
- Taking prescribed antibiotics
Correct answer: Vigorous physical exercise
Vigorous exercise elevates blood pressure and heart rate, increasing risk of post-surgical bleeding and compromising clot stability.
Question 4: A patient develops a fever of 101.5°F and purulent discharge from an implant site 5 days post-operatively. This most likely indicates:
- Normal osseointegration response
- Acute peri-implant infection requiring treatment (Correct answer)
- Allergic reaction to the implant material
- Late implant failure due to occlusal overload
Correct answer: Acute peri-implant infection requiring treatment
Fever combined with purulent exudate at 5 days is a classic sign of surgical site infection requiring debridement and antibiotic therapy.
Question 5: When should a patient's first post-operative clinical check typically occur after uncomplicated implant placement?
- Same day of surgery
- 7–14 days post-operatively (Correct answer)
- 6 weeks post-operatively
- Only at the time of restoration delivery
Correct answer: 7–14 days post-operatively
A 7–14 day recall allows suture removal, wound inspection, and early detection of complications before full osseointegration.
Question 6: To control post-operative edema following implant surgery, patients should be instructed to apply ice packs for:
- Continuous 24-hour application
- 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24–48 hours (Correct answer)
- Only if swelling exceeds the chin line
- At least 72 hours continuously
Correct answer: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24–48 hours
Intermittent ice application (20 on/20 off) during the first 48 hours reduces inflammation without causing tissue damage from prolonged cold exposure.
Question 7: A patient who smokes asks when they can resume smoking after implant surgery. The best evidence-based recommendation is:
- Resume after 24 hours if no bleeding occurs
- Avoid smoking for at least 8 weeks post-operatively (Correct answer)
- Smoking does not affect implant healing, so resume anytime
- Switch to e-cigarettes as a safe alternative during healing
Correct answer: Avoid smoking for at least 8 weeks post-operatively
Smoking impairs vascularization and immune response; abstinence for at least 8 weeks significantly improves osseointegration success rates.
CIT Patient Care & Post-Operative Management 2
A patient reports persistent numbness of the lower lip 72 hours after mandibular implant placement.
What is the most appropriate immediate action?