Dental Implant Surgery Aftercare Guide

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It is absolutely essential to follow the aftercare instructions set out by your dentist to ensure successful dental implant treatment. While it may not seem important, looking after your mouth and body post-surgery helps to protect against infection and implant failure.

Immediately after surgery

As soon as you feel fit and ready (and your implant surgeon deems it safe), it is time to go home and rest. You are not able to drive for the first 24 hours, so make sure someone can collect you from the clinic once your treatment is complete. Most patients are able to return to work the day after their procedure. Refrain from strenuous activities and take your usual over-the-counter pain medication if you feel you need it. Please remember that some bleeding, swelling and discomfort is expected – however, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 6-8 hours, contact your private dental clinic. What about your diet? It is very important to remain hydrated. Drink fluids from a glass or cup without using a straw as the sucking action can disrupt the blood clot. In the first 48 hours, only consume liquid food and drinks at a temperature that isn’t too hot. Avoid mouth rinsing and touching the surgical area, so the blood clot doesn’t dislodge. Maintaining good oral hygiene is extremely important. Brush your teeth as normal, but be sure to avoid the area of the surgery for at least a week. Begin to rinse your mouth with the recommended mouthwash 24 hours post-treatment. Do this twice a day.

72 hours

Generally, swelling tends to be at its worst around the 2-3 day mark. To manage this, patients can apply ice packs or frozen peas to the face for 20 minutes on or off in the evening. Some slight bleeding and discomfort is typically still present at this point in your recovery. Continue to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. You may start to introduce soft foods in your diet, but we recommend you avoid dairy. This is because certain dairy products contain bacteria, which can increase your risk of infection if consumed. Keep up your new oral hygiene routine. That means continuing to rinse with mouthwash and brushing your teeth very gently, while still avoiding the site of the dental implant. Your dentist may also suggest rinsing with saltwater in-between meals.

3-4 months

Your gum needs at least 3-4 months to heal before your final teeth are fitted. Once this time period is over, it is time to return to the clinic and have your permanent teeth attached. Please note that some patients will heal quicker than others, and vice versa. If you have any concerns about how your mouth is adjusting to the dental implant, do not hesitate to contact your dentist. Treat your dental implant like your normal teeth. Now your mouth has recovered from the surgery, you are able to resume your usual oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day and floss regularly. Alternatively, use interdental brushes to remove any food particles lodged between the teeth. You should continue to have routine check-ups with your dentist and visit a dental hygienist at least twice a year for a deep clean. Even though your mouth is healing nicely at this point, patients need to cut smoking permanently out of their daily routine – this habit not only poses severe health risks, but also increases the chance of implant failure significantly.

Foods to eat and foods to avoid

A common question we often receive is, how long after dental implants can I eat normally? As mentioned earlier, try to stick to a liquid diet for the first 48 hours after your procedure, before progressing to a soft food diet for the following two weeks. We have compiled some suitable options below.

If you are remotely concerned about the aforementioned food recommendations, or have intolerances that need to be taken into consideration, please consult your dentist or a dietician. You know your body best!

How to minimise the risk of peri-implantitis

This is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues, gums and bones surrounding the dental implant. It can lead to a variety of oral health issues, including the loss of a tooth implant. There are numerous causes of this condition, and being aware of them helps to minimise the risk of peri-implantitis forming. Poor oral hygiene leads to infection and a build-up of bacteria and plaque, while a lack of blood flow may also contribute to peri-implantitis. That means individuals with health conditions such as diabetes are potentially at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis. Smoking and bruxism are also known causes. So, how can you minimise the risk of getting this painful condition?

• Maintain good oral hygiene and a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Attend regular check-ups with your dentist
• Address health conditions

Concerned you have peri-implantitis? Look for symptoms such as bleeding gums, swollen gums, pus, throbbing pain and bone loss. Your dental implant may also feel loose.

Making your dental implants last as long as possible

In order to get the most out of your dental implants, maintenance is key. Remember to keep the gums and the area around the implant(s) as clean as possible – this means regular appointments with your dental hygienist. Avoid staining food and drinks (as well as smoking and vaping) to protect the vibrant white colour of your implant. Why? Well, once the implant is fitted, your teeth cannot be whitened. We recommend having this cosmetic treatment prior to your dental implant procedure. Conclusion: The dental implant process may seem intimidating, but the benefits this treatment provides is life changing. You can smile with confidence and eat your favourite foods without pain for up to 20 years. If you follow the aftercare guidance, you will be able to enjoy all that dental implants have to offer. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you have while you recover – we are here to help.