🏠 Home Care After Placement of Dental Implants

Important Notes

  • Do not disturb the surgical site. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery.
  • Sutures will be placed in the area. Some may dissolve on their own; if not, they will be removed during your post-operative appointment.
  • If your doctor placed a healing abutment (a small silver post sticking out of your gum), it may come loose. If this happens, call our office immediately.
  • The implant crown will not be placed during your implant procedure; it will be placed later by your general dentist.
  • Avoid chewing on the surgical site. Eat on the opposite side of your mouth to help with healing.

Bleeding

  • Some bleeding or redness in saliva is normal for up to 24 hours.
  • If excessive bleeding occurs (mouth fills rapidly with blood), bite down on a gauze pad placed directly on the wound for 30 minutes.
  • If bleeding continues after this, call our office for further instructions.

Swelling

  • Swelling is normal after surgery.
  • To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack (or plastic bag/towel filled with ice) to the cheek near the surgical area.
  • Use ice continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours.

Diet

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid hot liquids or foods while numb.
  • Eat soft foods and liquids on the day of surgery.
  • Return to a normal diet as soon as comfortable, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Avoid chewing on the surgical site; eat on the opposite side.

Suggested soft Foods

  • Oatmeal, mashed sweet potatoes, soft pasta, macaroni and cheese
  • Chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
  • Ramen noodles, chili, soups (lukewarm)
  • Jell-O, pudding, applesauce, bananas

Pain Management

  • Take Motrin (ibuprofen) as prescribed.
  • Take the first dose before the numbness wears off.
  • You may alternate with Extra Strength Tylenol as needed for additional relief.
    ⚠️ Important: Remove gauze before eating, drinking, sleeping, or taking medication.

Antibiotics

  • Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed to prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

  • Good oral hygiene is critical for healing.
  • Night of surgery: Use prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed.
  • Day after surgery: Use Peridex twice daily (after breakfast and before bed). Rinse for at least 30 seconds, then spit.
  • Warm saltwater rinses (1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) should be done 4–5 times daily, especially after meals.
  • Brushing teeth and healing abutments is allowed; be gentle around surgical areas.

Activity

  • Keep physical activity to a minimum immediately following surgery.
  • Exercise may cause throbbing or bleeding; if this occurs, stop exercising.
  • Remember you may not be eating your normal diet, which can weaken you temporarily.

Prosthesis

  • Do not sleep with your partial dentures.
  • Keep your prosthesis away from pets, especially dogs — they may chew or swallow it.
  • Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days, unless otherwise directed.

When to Call the Office

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Healing abutment comes loose
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication
  • Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus)