Your Guide to Dental Implant Aftercare
Dental implants are an incredible solution for restoring your smile and confidence. While the procedure itself is a major step toward a healthier mouth, the recovery process is equally important. Proper aftercare ensures a smooth healing process and helps you get the best results from your new implant. At Edgemere Dental, we’re here to walk you through every aspect of your recovery.
This guide will cover all the key points of post-operative care, including managing swelling, caring for the implant site, what to eat, and when to resume normal activities. If you have any questions or concerns during your healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 915-921-6200. We’re here to support you and make your recovery as easy as possible.

The First Day After Surgery
The first 24 hours after your dental implant procedure are critical for successful healing. During this time, your focus should be on protecting the surgical site and preventing unnecessary complications. Follow these simple but essential rules for the day of your surgery:
- Don’t spit. If you need to clear your mouth, use a tissue to gently wipe it or swallow your saliva instead.
- Avoid straws. Suction from using a straw can dislodge the blood clot forming at the surgical site. Drink directly from a glass instead.
- No smoking. Smoking not only disrupts healing but also increases your risk of infection. It’s best to avoid smoking altogether during your recovery period.
- Keep your fingers and tongue away from the area. Touching the site with your hands or tongue can irritate it and introduce bacteria.
By following these steps, you’ll help your body kickstart the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.
Bleeding After Surgery
Minor bleeding is perfectly normal after dental implant surgery. You may also notice some oozing from the surgical site immediately after the procedure, which can last for several hours. Here’s what to do if you experience bleeding:
- Place a piece of gauze over the implant site and gently bite down with light pressure for 30–45 minutes. This helps promote clotting.
- If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh piece and repeat the process.
Persistent bleeding can be alarming, but it’s usually manageable with these steps. If you find that the bleeding doesn’t subside or you’re feeling uneasy, give us a call at 915-921-6200. We’ll be happy to assist you.
Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Swelling is a common part of recovery after dental implant surgery. It may increase over the first 24–48 hours before it starts to subside. Some patients might even notice light bruising on their face near the surgical area. Here are some tips to keep swelling and discomfort in check:
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks in between. This can help reduce swelling during the initial stages.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping to improve drainage and reduce puffiness.
Remember, swelling is temporary—it’s simply part of your body’s natural healing process. With these measures, it should fade in a few days.
Eating After Your Procedure
You may not feel like eating immediately after surgery, but it’s important to nourish your body to aid in recovery. That said, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat to avoid irritating the implant site. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- Pasta
- Lukewarm soups or broths
Avoid hot, hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can disrupt the healing process. For at least the first few days, try not to chew food directly on the implant site. When you feel ready, you can gradually transition back to your normal diet.
Keeping Your Mouth Clean
Oral hygiene is essential for preventing infection and ensuring your implant heals properly. However, it’s important to clean your mouth gently after surgery to avoid disturbing the surgical site. Follow these guidelines:
- Start rinsing with warm salt water the day after your surgery. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth gently.
- Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical area. While you can continue brushing the rest of your teeth as you normally would, take extra care near the implant site.
Being cautious with your oral hygiene practices will help you keep the area clean without causing irritation.
What to Know About Sutures and Bone Graft Material
Your dentist may have used sutures to close the incision or placed bone graft material to provide additional support for your implant. Here’s what to expect:
- Sutures—Most sutures used in dental implant procedures are designed to dissolve on their own. They typically fall out anywhere from 4 to 10 days after the procedure. If your stitches feel loose or fall out sooner, there’s no need to panic, but don’t hesitate to call us if you have concerns.
- Bone graft material—If your procedure included bone grafting, you might notice a gritty sensation in your mouth in the days following surgery. This is perfectly normal, and the material will settle as your body heals.
If anything seems unusual, such as intense discomfort or prolonged sensitivity, contact our office for guidance.
Is Your Implant Visible?
Whether or not you can see your dental implant depends on how your procedure was performed. Your dentist may have chosen one of two common options:
- Buried implant—Sometimes, the implant is placed entirely under the gum tissue. This means it won’t be visible until the tissue heals and a second procedure is performed to expose it for restoration.
- Exposed implant attachment—If the implant is stable enough, it might include a small attachment that protrudes through the gums. This eliminates the need for a second procedure.
Your dentist will explain which approach was used for your implant and what to expect in the next stages of treatment.
When Will Your Crown Be Placed?
Receiving your final crown is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to allow the implant to fully integrate with your bone before this step. The process of osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the bone, typically takes several months:
- The exact timeline depends on factors like bone quality, implant stability, and individual healing progress.
- Once your dentist confirms the implant is secure, the crown can be placed to complete your new smile.
Your care team will keep you updated throughout the recovery process and help you prepare for the final restoration.
Medications and Pain Management
To support your recovery, you were likely prescribed medications for pain relief or infection prevention. Follow these instructions to stay comfortable and healthy:
- Take antibiotics as directed and complete the full course, even if you’re feeling better. This helps prevent infection.
- Use prescription pain medications as needed during the first 24 hours. Be mindful that these medications can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving, operating machinery, or drinking alcohol while taking them.
- Transition to over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) once the initial pain subsides.
If you experience side effects or have trouble with any of your medications, don’t hesitate to call 915-921-6200 for recommendations.
Returning to Normal Activities
Your body needs rest to heal, but when you’re feeling up to it, you can gradually return to your normal routine. Keep in mind:
- Avoid vigorous activities, such as exercising or heavy lifting, for the first few days.
- If you’re taking prescription pain medications, refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until you’re no longer using them.
Everyone’s recovery timeline is different, so listen to your body and take things at your own pace.
Need Help? Contact Edgemere Dental
Recovering from dental implant surgery might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s manageable when you follow the right steps. At Edgemere Dental, we’re here to guide you through every phase of your recovery, answer your questions, and address any concerns.
If you need assistance or want more information about your aftercare instructions, give us a call at 915-921-6200. Our caring and experienced staff is ready to help you feel comfortable and confident as you heal. Together, we’ll ensure your implant recovery is as smooth as possible!