Proper post-operative care is vital to ensure successful bone integration (osseointegration), soft tissue healing, and the long-term success of your dental implant. Please read and follow these instructions carefully.

Critical Rules for the First 48 Hours

To protect the surgical site and promote proper healing, DO NOT do any of the following:

• NO touching, poking, or exploring the implant site with your tongue or fingers.
• NO smoking or vaping — smoking increases the risk of implant failure by more than 300%.
• NO strenuous physical activity or exercise for 3 to 5 days.
• NO vigorous spitting or drinking through a straw.
• NO wearing removable dentures over the surgical site unless explicitly cleared by your surgeon.

IMMEDIATE POST-OPERATIVE CARE

1. Controlling Bleeding: Slight bleeding, oozing, or blood-tinged saliva is completely normal for the first 24 hours. Keep firm, steady pressure on the gauze pad over the surgical site for 45 to 60 minutes. If bleeding continues, place a fresh, slightly dampened gauze pad over the site and bite firmly for another hour.
2. Managing Swelling: Swelling and minor bruising are expected and typically peak between 48 and 72 hours post-surgery. First 24–36 Hours: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your face for 15–20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. Keep your head elevated with 2–3 pillows while sleeping to reduce throbbing and swelling.
3. Medications & Antibiotics:
   1. Antibiotics: If prescribed, complete the full course of antibiotics as directed to prevent peri-implant infection.
   2. Pain Relief: Take your first dose of pain medication (e.g., Ibuprofen) before the local anesthetic wears off completely. Avoid Aspirin as it thins the blood.

DIET & NUTRITION

Protecting the implant site from direct mechanical pressure is critical during early healing.

First 3 to 7 Days

• Soft, lukewarm foods (pureed soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs)
• Chew exclusively on the opposite side of your mouth from the implant
• Avoid hot foods and hot beverages
  • Foods to Avoid:
    • Hard, crunchy, or sharp foods (nuts, chips, popcorn, crusty bread, seeds)
    • Spicy or acidic foods
    • Carbonated or alcoholic beverages

ORAL HYGIENE & WOUND CARE

• Day of Surgery: Do not rinse your mouth or brush near the surgical area.
• Starting Day 2: Use a prescribed Chlorhexidine rinse (0.12% – 0.20%) twice daily after meals. Hold the solution over the site for 1 minute and gently spit it out - do not swish vigorously. Brush your remaining teeth gently with a soft toothbrush, carefully avoiding the implant site and stitches.

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR DENTAL SURGEON

Contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent Numbness: Loss of feeling in your lip, tongue, or chin lasting longer than 6 to 8 hours post-surgery.
• Implant / Abutment Mobility: Any sensation of looseness or movement of the healing cap or implant.
• Severe Pain or Bleeding: Uncontrolled pain not relieved by medication, or heavy, continuous bleeding.

Signs of Infection: A fever exceeding 100.4°F (38°C), bad taste, or pus drainage near the sutures.