Aftercare Dental Implant

Keep the area as still as possible so a healthy blood clot can form.

Do not rinse, spit, eat, or touch the wound for the first 8 hours.

You may brush your other teeth normally but avoid the implant site.

Some light bleeding is normal – bite gently on gauze for 20–30 minutes if needed.

Take the prescribed painkillers regularly for the first 2–3 days, then as needed.

If you cannot take NSAIDs (e.g., stomach ulcer/asthma), follow your dentist’s alternative plan.

Pain getting worse after day 3–4 can be a sign of infection—please contact your dentist

Numbness typically wears off in 2–6 hours (sometimes longer).

Do not drink hot fluids for at least 8 hours and avoid biting your lip/cheek/tongue while still numb.

A little oozing is normal for 24 hours.

If bleeding starts, place moistened, folded gauze over the site and bite firmly 10–15 minutes (check with a clock). Ensure pressure is on the wound (not just between other teeth).

If you have a temporary bridge over the implant, apply finger-and-thumb pressure to the gum from the sides for 10 minutes.

Persistent/heavy bleeding that doesn’t settle → call your dentist.

Swelling varies; mild bruising is common.

First 24 hours: ice pack 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off while awake.

Sleep with your head slightly elevated for 1–2 nights.

If swelling is increasing after day 4, contact your dentist.

Once bleeding has stopped (after 8–24 hours), start gentle warm salt-water rinses (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water) every 3–4 hours, especially after meals, for 1 week.

You may also use a chlorhexidine mouthwash (as prescribed) twice daily for up to 7–10 days. Avoid vigorous swishing.

Brush and floss other teeth as normal but keep the brush off the stitches and surgical site for several days.

Sometimes prescribed (e.g., if bone graft was done). Complete the full course.

Avoid alcohol if you are on certain antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole).

If you develop rash, facial/lip swelling, severe stomach pain, vomiting, or blood in stool, stop the medication and contact us immediately.

Note: Some antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill—use additional protection during the course and for 3 days after finishing.

Soft, cool foods for the first few days.

Avoid hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods for at least 1 week.

No drinking straw for the first week (suction can disturb the clot).

Stay well hydrated; avoid alcohol (especially if on antibiotics).

No strenuous exercise or swimming for 1 week.

Avoid smoking/vaping (ideally 1–2 weeks; minimum 72 hours) as this delays healing and increases implant failure risk.

Stitches are usually removed at 7–14 days (even some “dissolvable” sutures benefit from removal at review to prevent plaque trapping).

Your suture removal appointment will be scheduled—please attend.

Do not pull or trim stitches yourself.

Lower jaw implants: if lower lip/chin numbness persists >8 hours without improvement, please call ur dentist.

Bone graft / membrane placed: avoid pulling your lip/cheek to “look at it”. This can loosen the graft or membrane.

Sinus-related procedures (if advised): avoid blowing your nose and sneeze with your mouth open for 2 weeks.

Days 1–3: swelling, mild bruising, and discomfort peak, then begin to settle.

Days 4–7: symptoms improve; gentle cleaning continues; stitches remain intact.

Days 7–14: stitches usually removed; gum contour improving.

3–6 months: implant integrates with bone (osseointegration). Avoid unnecessary pressure on the site during this period.

Prosthesis stage follows once your dentist confirms healing is adequate.