Instructions to follow after implant placement

On the day of the procedure, we ask that you do not rinse or spit vigorously. The day after your surgery, you may rinse gently with a little warm salt water (1/3 teaspoon in 1 glass of water), or with the mouthwash that may have been prescribed for you. Unless otherwise instructed, you may brush your teeth very gently around the healing cap of your dental implant. Good oral hygiene promotes proper tissue healing.

For the first day, a soft, cold diet is recommended. Avoid foods and liquids that are too hot, too hard, or too spicy. Avoid any pressure on your implant’s healing cap. It is important to stay well hydrated.

Do not smoke. Smoking delays healing, increases the risk of infection, and reduces the success rate of dental implants and bone grafting (if applicable).

Avoid any intense physical activity for the three days following the operation.

On the first day, take your pain medication regularly (every 4 hours), then as needed thereafter. Take any other medications as prescribed.

After dental implant placement, bleeding is generally minimal. In the event of moderate bleeding, gently bite down on one of the 2×2 gauze pads that were provided to you. It is also recommended not to drink with a straw for the first 24 hours, as this could weaken blood clot formation. Bruising may also appear on the cheeks or neck; it will go away without any treatment within 5 to 7 days. Please note that slight bleeding is normal during the first 24 hours and appears as small streaks of blood mixed with saliva.

To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the side of the face where you received your dental implant, alternating 10 to 15 minutes with ice and 10 to 15 minutes without ice. Do this for the first 24 hours after your surgery only. Starting on the third day, the use of warm, moist compresses is recommended. Note that it is normal to have swelling; it should go away within 5 to 7 days after surgery. You may also have difficulty opening your mouth.