Post-Operative Instructions

Post-Operative Instructions For Dental Implants

  1. You may eat and drink as soon as you feel comfortable. A soft diet is recommended. Drinks and foods that are excessively hot should be avoided during the first day as they may stimulate bleeding.
  2. Place ice packs to the side of your face every 10–15 minutes over the next 6 hours to help reduce swelling.
  3. Take your medication as prescribed. It will be helpful to take your pain medication before the numbness from the local anaesthetic wears off.
  4. Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing on the day of surgery as this may stimulate bleeding. You should rinse your mouth carefully 4 times a day for at least one week starting from the day after your surgery. You may use mouthwash (e.g. Difflam-C or Savacol).
  5. Continue to clean your teeth 3 times a day from the day after your surgery with a soft toothbrush. It is important to keep your mouth very clean to prevent infection. Avoid brushing the stitched area for 1 week.
  6. Smoking should be avoided as this will contribute to implant failure.
  7. It is normal for swelling to increase during the first 2–3 days and this should slowly subside over one week. You may also experience some bruising. If bone grafting has been performed, increased swelling and bruising can occur.
  8. The stitches in your mouth are resorbable. They will fall out on their own, usually after 2 weeks, but can take up to 4 weeks. Some stitches may take longer and may be removed by your dentist if causing irritation.
  9. If your implant is a one-stage procedure, you will have a temporary healing cap in place. You can gently brush this area after 1 week. During the first week, use mouth rinses only. If the cap dislodges, keep it and contact your dentist. Avoid chewing hard foods over the site during the 3-month healing period.
  10. If your implant is a two-stage procedure, the implant will be buried under the gums. Keep the area clean with mouth rinses for 1–2 weeks. A second minor procedure will be required in 4–6 months to expose the implant.
  11. Dentures / Temporary teeth: Your denture may need adjustment to fit over the healing cap. Avoid excessive pressure on the implant site. Remove dentures at night and clean them properly.