Aftercare card
After a dental implant
How to care for the site after implant surgery, what to eat, how to keep it clean, what swelling and bruising are normal, and when to call the clinic.
First 24–48 hours
Do
- Bite on the gauze for the time advised to control oozing.
- Hold a cold pack on the cheek, 10 minutes on and 10 off, for the first day.
- Take the medicines you were prescribed, as directed.
- Eat soft, cool food once the numbness wears off.
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow.
Avoid
- Spitting, rinsing hard or using a straw.
- Hot drinks, smoking and alcohol.
- Touching the site with your tongue, fingers or toothbrush.
Days 3–14
Do
- Rinse gently with warm salt water or the mouthwash you were given, after meals.
- Brush the other teeth normally; clean near the site very gently.
- Stick to soft food and chew on the other side.
- Keep the review visit; stitches, if any, are removed or dissolve at about 1–2 weeks.
Avoid
- Hard, crunchy or chewy food on that side.
- Pressing on the area or wearing a removable denture over it unless you were told it is safe.
- Smoking or tobacco of any kind, which raises the risk of the implant failing.
Weeks 2–12 and beyond
Do
- Return to normal food gradually as advised.
- Attend review visits and X-rays to check the bone has joined to the implant, commonly over 3–6 months.
- Once the crown is fitted, clean around it daily with a soft brush and interdental brush or floss.
- Book regular check-ups and cleans.
Avoid
- Biting very hard objects on the implant, especially before the crown is fitted.
- Skipping check-ups; gums around implants can become inflamed without symptoms.
Normal while it heals
- Oozing or pink saliva on the first day
- Swelling and bruising that peak at 48–72 hours, then settle over about a week
- Mild to moderate soreness for the first few days that eases with pain relief
- Jaw stiffness
- Small bone granules or a stitch coming loose, which can happen
Call the clinic if
- Bleeding that does not stop after 30 minutes of firm pressure on gauze
- Pain that gets worse after day 3 instead of better
- Fever, a bad taste, or pus from the site
- The implant or cover screw feels loose, or the stitches open and the implant is exposed
- Numbness of the lip, chin or tongue that lasts beyond the day of surgery
- Swelling with difficulty swallowing or breathing: go to a hospital now
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