Dental Implant Surgery

Pre- & Post-Operative Care Instructions

Please follow these instructions carefully to support proper healing and long-term success of your dental implant.

BEFORE Your Implant Appointment

Medications

  • Begin taking your prescribed antibiotic 1–2 days before surgery and continue until finished.
  • If approved by your dentist or physician, take 600 mg of ibuprofen (Advil) one hour before your appointment to help reduce pain and swelling.

AFTER Implant Placement

Protecting Your Implant (Very Important)

  • Avoid touching or disturbing the implant area.
  • Aside from normal hygiene, leave the implant completely alone for the first 2 weeks.
  • Eat soft foods only and chew away from the implant site.
  • Avoid chewing on the implant area for the entire 3–6 month healing (integration) period.

Rinsing Your Mouth (Extremely Important)

  • Begin the morning after surgery.

Rinse Instructions
Rinse gently twice daily and after meals.

Rinse Formula

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼–½ teaspoon salt (non-iodized preferred)
  • 1 cup (8 oz) warm water

How to Use

  • Gently swish for 30–60 seconds
  • Spit out — do not swallow

Bleeding

  • Mild bleeding or oozing is normal for several hours.
  • If bleeding occurs:
    • Fold two pieces of damp gauze
    • Place directly over the site
    • Bite gently but firmly for 30–60 minutes
  • Rest quietly with your head elevated.
  • Pink or blood-tinged saliva for 2–3 days is normal.
  • Sutures may remain for up to 14 days — do not pull or cut them.
  • Go to the emergency room if bleeding does not stop with pressure.

Swelling & Bruising

  • Swelling is normal and usually:
    • Begins after 24 hours
    • Peaks at 2–3 days
    • Improves over 7–10 days
  • Apply ice packs for the first 24 hours:
    • 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off
  • After 48 hours, switch to warm moist compresses.
  • Bruising may occur and typically fades within 7–10 days.
  • Keep your head elevated and sleep as upright as possible.

Pain & Medications

  • Some discomfort is normal after surgery.
  • If allowed:
    • Take ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) before numbness wears off
    • Alternate ibuprofen and Tylenol every 2 hours
  • Do NOT exceed:
    • 3,800 mg ibuprofen in 24 hours
    • 4,000 mg Tylenol in 24 hours
  • Do NOT take ibuprofen or aspirin if you are on Plavix or Coumadin.
  • Call the office if pain does not improve daily.

Diet

While Numb

Eat

  • Applesauce
  • Pudding
  • Jell-O
  • Yogurt

Drink

  • Water
  • Juice
  • Ice chips
  • Milkshakes (no straws)

❌ Avoid hot liquids and carbonated drinks for 48 hours

After Numbness Wears Off

Soft foods only:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Eggs
  • Pasta
  • Pancakes
  • Creamed cereals
  • Soups (not hot)

⚠️ Do NOT chew or apply pressure over the implant site

Oral Hygiene

  • Keeping your mouth clean is critical to prevent infection.
  • Begin thorough cleaning 1 week after surgery.
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Avoid brushing directly over the surgical site.
  • If bleeding resumes, use gauze as described above.

Activity

  • Rest for the first 48 hours.
  • Avoid strenuous activity.
  • Resume normal activity gradually as tolerated.
  • Sleep with your head elevated.

Healing Expectations

  • Bad breath is common during healing and will resolve.
  • White or hard tissue may appear after 2–3 days — this is normal healing tissue.
  • The silver healing cap may become visible through the gum tissue.

Antibiotics

  • Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed until finished.
  • Call the office immediately if you experience:
    • Rash
    • Swelling
    • Any unusual reaction