After major implant surgery at Ortoimplant DENTAL SPA, patients are not sent straight home. The first 24 hours follow a set protocol: while the patient wakes from analgosedation, individually planned intravenous support therapy and controlled cooling with the Hilotherm® system begin, followed by a post-operative X-ray, the first night in an apartment close to the clinic and a clinical examination the next morning. Patients go home only once their condition is stable and, where biological and surgical conditions allow, with a temporary prosthesis.
The protocol was developed by dr. Zdenko Trampuš, DDS, the founder of the clinic, on the principle that complex implant surgery must be matched by an equally carefully designed recovery. Surgery takes a few hours. Our responsibility for the patient lasts much longer.
What the first 24 hours after surgery look like
| Stage | When | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Waking up | first hour | intravenous support therapy as assessed by the doctor, controlled cooling with the Hilotherm® system, gradual waking from analgosedation |
| Check | once the patient is stable and awake | post-operative X-ray of the surgical result and the position of the placed components |
| First night | evening and night after surgery | rest in an apartment close to the clinic, no travelling |
| Next morning | the day after surgery | check of the surgical area, continued cooling, magnetotherapy and a clinical examination |
| Going home | after the examination | temporary prosthesis where conditions allow, written instructions and direct contact with the team |
Why our care does not end with the last stitch
While the body is still adjusting to major surgery, the patient stays under the supervision of our team. For us, the first hours after surgery are part of the treatment, not the time after it. That is why the treatment process does not stop the moment the operation is technically complete.
What happens in the first hour after surgery
Immediately after the operation, individually planned intravenous support therapy begins. It is not given as a matter of routine: the doctor assesses whether it is needed and what it contains, based on the patient’s health. The protocol may include:
- essential and non-essential amino acids, the building blocks of metabolism and regeneration
- vitamin C, as part of antioxidant support for the body
- physiologically adjusted amounts of zinc and selenium, elements important for the normal function of the immune system and for healing
- in selected patients, glutathione, one of the body’s most important endogenous antioxidant systems
We do not present the infusion as something that speeds up healing on its own. Its role is to give the body the calmest possible conditions at the moment of greatest strain. We explain what intravenous supplements can and cannot do in IV supplements after surgery.
How Hilotherm® cooling differs from ice
At the same time, controlled cooling of the surgical area with the Hilotherm® system begins. Water at a constant, regulated temperature, usually around 15 °C, circulates through the mask, whereas ice cools uncontrollably, too close to freezing, and loses its effect as it melts.
For roughly the first hour the patient gradually wakes from analgosedation while the face and surgical area are already under controlled cooling. No sudden transitions, from deep analgosedation towards being fully awake.
Why a post-operative X-ray is taken before the patient leaves
As soon as the patient is fully stable and awake, a radiological check follows. With a post-operative X-ray we assess the result of the surgery and the position of the placed components before the patient leaves our immediate supervision. We do not assume everything is fine. We check.
Where the patient spends the first night
After extensive implant surgery, a patient does not need a drive of several hours or a trip to the airport. What they need is rest. That is why they can spend the first post-operative night in an apartment close to the clinic. A quiet room and distance from everyday obligations are not a luxury extra here but part of the recovery concept, especially for patients travelling from abroad.
What happens the next morning
After a night’s sleep the patient returns to the clinic for the second part of the post-operative programme:
- another check of the surgical area
- continued controlled cooling with the Hilotherm® mask
- physical therapies, including magnetotherapy, aimed at making the early post-operative period as comfortable as possible
When the patient can go home
The clinical examination the next morning covers:
- the surgical area
- swelling
- bleeding
- general condition and stability
- how the patient feels
We close the immediate post-operative supervision phase only when we are satisfied with what we see. We do not let patients go when the surgery ends, but when we are satisfied with their condition.
What the patient goes home with
Where biological and surgical conditions allow, the patient leaves with a temporary prosthesis, a prototype of their future smile. They also receive clear written post-operative instructions and direct contact with the team for any questions during recovery at home.
The four elements of the concept
With complex patients it is not enough to know where to place an implant. It takes an understanding of anatomy, biology, anaesthesia, prosthetics and recovery. That is why the concept is built on four connected elements:
- COMPLEX IMPLANTOLOGY. When standard implant approaches are not enough, we look for other anatomical anchor points and individual solutions. Read more in Dental implants with bone loss.
- SECOND OPINION. If you have been told you do not have enough bone or that implants are not possible, that may not be the final word.
- DEEP ANALGOSEDATION. Major surgery can be carried out under anaesthetic supervision, without the patient consciously experiencing how demanding it is. Read more about analgosedation.
- MEDICALLY SUPPORTED RECOVERY. Surgery does not end in the operating room. Recovery is an integral part of the treatment plan.
The principle that connects all four elements is summed up by dr. Zdenko Trampuš, DDS:
For the wider picture of why recovery with us begins even before surgery, see The DENTAL SPA concept. If you have been told implants are not possible for you, book a free first examination.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to go home straight after implant surgery?
No. After major surgery the patient stays under the team’s supervision while waking from analgosedation, can spend the first night in an apartment close to the clinic, and goes home only after a clinical examination the next morning.
Does every patient get an infusion after surgery?
Not as a matter of routine. Intravenous support therapy is planned individually, and the doctor assesses whether it is needed and what it contains, based on the patient’s health.
How does Hilotherm® cooling differ from ice?
Hilotherm® keeps a constant, regulated temperature, usually around 15 °C. Ice cools uncontrollably and too close to freezing, and loses its effect as it melts.
Why is an X-ray taken before I leave?
The post-operative X-ray lets us check the result of the surgery and the position of the placed components while the patient is still under immediate supervision.
When do I get temporary teeth?
Where biological and surgical conditions allow, the patient leaves with a temporary prosthesis, a prototype of their future smile. In that case, the patient receives it before going home, after the clinical examination the next morning.
Who supervises the patient while waking from analgosedation?
Surgery is carried out under anaesthetic supervision, and while waking up the patient stays under the team’s supervision until fully stable and awake.
Sources and literature
- Alangari A. To IV or Not to IV: The Science Behind Intravenous Vitamin Therapy. Cureus, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12182718/
- Merck Manual (Consumer Version). Intravenous Vitamin Therapy (Myers’ Cocktail). https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/intravenous-vitamin-therapy-myers-cocktail
- Rana M, Gellrich NC, Ghassemi A, Gerressen M, Riediger D, Modabber A. Three-dimensional evaluation of postoperative swelling after third molar surgery using 2 different cooling therapy methods: a randomized observer-blind prospective study. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2011;69(8):2092-2098. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21496998/
Content undergoes professional review before publication. This text is general information and does not replace a clinical examination. Book a free consultation