Thank you for trusting us with your care. To promote proper healing and ensure the long-term success of your new implant post, please review and follow the instructions below.
When to call us
It’s normal to experience some discomfort after implant placement. However, please contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Pain or swelling that worsens or persists more than 2-3 days.
- Any signs of infection (fever, foul odor, increased redness or pus at the site).
- Any allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, breathing difficulty) to medication.
After Care Instructions
While Numb
- Do not eat or drink until the anesthetic has fully worn off to prevent accidental injury to your lips, cheek, or tongue.
Immediately After Surgery
- No smoking or tobacco use for at least 72 hours. Tobacco significantly slows healing and increases the risk of implant failure.
- Avoid alcohol, which can interfere with healing and medications.
Eating Guidelines
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth until the implant area is comfortable and healing is further along.
- Avoid hot or spicy foods for at least 24 hours.
- Do not spit, use a straw, or suck on candies — this can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
Brushing & Flossing
- For the first 24 hours: Gently brush and floss the surrounding teeth, but avoid direct contact with the surgical site.
- Do not use electric toothbrushes or water flossers on the surgical area and be careful using these tools on the surrounding teeth.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouth rinses (e.g., Listerine) as they can irritate the area.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to extend the life of the implant and keep the surrounding gum tissue and teeth healthy.
What to Expect After Treatment
Some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days after implant placement. Possible reasons for discomfort include:
- Jaw soreness from keeping your mouth open during the procedure
- Injection site tenderness
- Soreness at the implant site as your bone and tissue begin to heal
Pain, Swelling, and Medications
- Take pain medication before the anesthetic wears off or as recommended by your provider.
- If no prescription was given, we recommend:
- 2 tablets of Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin 200mg) + 2 tablets of Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol 500mg) together (unless advised otherwise by your physician).
- Use ice during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Switch to moist heat (e.g., warm compress) after 48 hours to relieve soreness and help swelling resolve.
- Continue any prescribed antibiotics for the full course, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to support your healing and continued dental health.
