Post-Operative Instructions For Dental Implant Surgery

Home Care Instructions for After Placement of Dental Implants

Immediate Post-Implant Homecare

After IV Sedation/General Anesthesia

• A responsible adult must stay with you for 24 hours.
• Avoid driving, swimming, making important decisions, drinking alcohol, using stairs without assistance, or taking additional prescription or sleep aid medication.

Recovery Steps

• Remove gauze after one hour. If bleeding persists significantly, replace it with fresh gauze or a dampened tea bag.
• Ice the sides of the face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours.
• Start rinsing with salt water 24 hours post-surgery, six times a day.
• Follow a soft foods diet for five to seven days, avoiding foods that may get lodged in sockets.
• Peak pain and swelling typically occur two to three days after surgery. Contact our office if symptoms worsen after the fourth day.

Aftercare Instructions

• Some sutures are dissolvable; others need removal during follow-up.
• If bone grafting was performed, particles may come out days to weeks later — this is normal.
• Contact our office if you experience high fever, increased pain/swelling after 48 hours, rash, itching, hives, or difficulty breathing.

Additional Reminders

• Avoid smoking for at least seven days post-surgery, ideally longer for optimal healing.
• Do not use Waterpiks or unauthorized devices on surgical sites.
• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed until finished.
• Use over-the-counter pain medications if not allergic; use prescribed medication for breakthrough pain if needed.

Properly dispose of unused medications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Recovery

When can I start brushing my teeth?

You may brush the day after surgery, but avoid the implant sites and the part protruding through the gums.

When should I use the rinses?

Use the salt water rinse six times a day, after meals and in between, for three weeks after surgery. If prescribed a special rinse, follow your prescription.

How soon can I engage in strenuous activity?

It's best to avoid strenuous activities like exercise for 5 to 7 days after surgery.

How long will I be numb?

Loss of sensation to the chin and lip is common and typically resolves within a few days or weeks. If numbness persists beyond 24 hours after surgery, please contact our office.