Thank you for trusting us with your care today! Below are some important instructions to help you heal comfortably and successfully after your dental implant placement.

• Numbness
  You’ll likely remain numb for a few hours after the procedure. Be careful not to bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue while the area is still numb.
• Soreness & Swelling
  Some soreness is normal for several days. Swelling typically begins on day 2 and peaks around day 3, then gradually improves by day 4. Minor bruising near the surgical site is also common. To manage discomfort, you may take over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen or Tylenol) and apply an ice pack during the first 24 hours (30 minutes on, 15 minutes off).
• Stitches
  If stitches were placed, they are usually dissolvable and will come out on their own within 7–10 days. If they become irritating or are still present at your follow-up visit, we can remove them.
• Bleeding
  Light bleeding or pink saliva is normal for the first 24–48 hours. If bleeding increases, place clean gauze over the area and apply firm pressure for 30–60 minutes. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, as this can disturb the healing site.

• Brushing & Flossing
  Continue your normal brushing and flossing routine, but be very gentle around the surgical site. Avoid brushing directly over the implant area for the first few days. Starting the day after surgery, rinse gently with warm salt water (1 tsp of salt in a cup of warm water) 3–4 times daily. You may also use Closys mouthrinse with Q-tips to gently clean the area twice a day for the first 3 days. After that, discontinue the Q-tips but continue to swish gently with Closys as directed.
• Eating & Drinking
  Once the numbness wears off, you can begin eating soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Good options include mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, smoothies, or lukewarm soups. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods for at least one week. For the first 3–5 days, do not drink through a straw, smoke, or consume alcohol, as these can delay healing.
• Physical Activity
  Rest and take it easy for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, or bending over, as these can increase bleeding and swelling.

• Healing Timeline
  Your implant will continue healing and fusing with the bone over the next few months. This process—called osseointegration—is essential for long-term success and typically takes 3–6 months.
• Temporary Crowns or Restorations
  If a temporary crown or healing abutment was placed, treat it gently and avoid chewing directly on that side until further notice.
• Next Steps
  We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and let you know when it’s time to move forward with your final crown or restoration.

Please call us if you experience any of the following:

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
• Severe or worsening pain after the first few days
• Swelling that increases after day 3
• Fever or chills
• A loose implant or healing abutment