Post-Operative Instructions for Dental Implants

What you should do after placement of dental implant

• Take your painkillers as advised. Do not wait for the pain to set in before taking them.
• Keep firm pressure on the gauze padding placed in your mouth after surgery. Remove the cotton gauze after 45 minutes.
• After the first 24 hours of surgery, gently rinse 3–4 times a day with warm salt water. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water.
• Do not spit forcefully.
• For the first 3–4 days after surgery, brush your teeth gently near the implant site. Be careful not to brush too hard.
• Follow the instructions for antibiotics and complete the course as advised.
• Swelling and sometimes bruising can occur after implant placement. On the day of surgery, apply ice packs for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Keep your head elevated until bedtime.
• Do not eat or drink hot foods and beverages after surgery.
• Do not drink carbonated beverages.
• Plan to eat soft foods such as soups, milkshakes, fruit juice and yogurt for 2–3 days.
• Do not bite your lips, cheeks or scrape your gums. Children should be watched carefully to make sure they do not do this, as it can damage soft tissue and result in pain.

What you should not do after an implant placement

• Do not rinse in the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Avoid exercising for the first 12–24 hours and heavy lifting for 2–3 days.
• Keep your fingers and tongue away from the implant site.
• Do not drink through a straw, spit, blow your nose or sneeze forcefully. These actions could cause the blood clot to dislodge.
• Try not to smoke for as long as possible, especially in the first 48 hours after surgery. Smoking interferes with healing and the sucking action can dislodge the blood clot.
• Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours.