Caring for Your New Dental Implant

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and the long-term success of your treatment.

Congratulations on taking this significant step toward restoring your smile, Dr. Navneet Karan and our team are committed to making your recovery as comfortable and simple as possible.

Following your implant placement, it's normal to experience some common, temporary symptoms. Your primary job for the next few days is to rest and allow your body to heal.

 

What to Expect in the First 24-48 Hours

 

• Bleeding: Some minor bleeding or "oozing" from the surgical site is normal for the first 24 hours. We have placed gauze over the area; keep firm, steady pressure on it for 30-60 minutes after leaving our office. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh, sterile piece and bite down firmly.

• Swelling: Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and may peak around 2-3 days after your procedure. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face over the surgical area. Use it for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, for the first 24-48 hours.

• Pain Management: You will likely experience some discomfort as the local anesthetic wears off. Please take your prescribed pain medication as directed. For milder discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers (like Ibuprofen, if you are able to take it) can be very effective. Tip: Take your first dose before the numbness completely fades.

• Rest: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity, exercise, or heavy lifting for the first 3-5 days, as this can increase bleeding and swelling. Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow when lying down.

 

Diet & Nutrition

 

For the first 24-48 hours, stick to a liquid or very soft-food diet.

• DO eat: Smoothies (do not use a straw), yogurt, soups, protein shakes, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.

• DO NOT eat: Anything hot (it can dissolve the blood clot), spicy, crunchy, or hard.

• DO NOT: Drink through a straw or smoke. The suction can dislodge the vital blood clot (a condition called "dry socket") and delay healing.

 

Oral Hygiene

 

Keeping your mouth clean is crucial for preventing infection.

• Day 1 (Day of Surgery): Do NOT rinse, spit, or brush your teeth. Let the surgical site rest.

• Day 2 (And Onward): You may begin to rinse very gently with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) 3-4 times a day, especially after meals.

• Brushing: You may resume brushing your other teeth gently, but avoid the surgical site completely for the first few days. Do not use an electric toothbrush near the area until cleared by Dr. Karan.

 

When to Call Dr. Karan

 

Your healing is our top priority. Please call our office immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Pain that increases or becomes severe after 3-4 days.

• Bleeding that is heavy, bright red, or will not stop with firm pressure.

• Swelling that continues to worsen after 3 days.

• A fever, chills, or persistent nausea.

• Persistent numbness (more than 8-10 hours) in your lip, chin, or tongue.