Post-Operative Instructions for Dental Implants

What to Expect & How to Heal Safely After Implant Surgery

At ArtSmiles, we’re committed to making your implant journey smooth and successful. After your dental implant surgery, it’s essential to follow these instructions to protect your new implant, reduce discomfort, and promote fast healing.

Immediately After Surgery

Keep pressure on the gauze pad placed over the site for 30–60 minutes. Replace as needed.

Apply an ice pack on the outside of the face in 10-minute intervals for the first 24–48 hours.

Rest and avoid any strenuous activities for the first 1–2 days.

Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using straws for the first 24 hours.

Medications

Take prescribed antibiotics and pain medication exactly as directed.

Start pain relief before the numbness wears off to stay ahead of discomfort.

Diet

Stick to soft, cool or lukewarm foods for the first 2–3 days.

Avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as alcohol and smoking.

Stay hydrated, but do not use a straw.

Oral Hygiene

Do not brush the surgical site for the first 24 hours.

From day 2, rinse gently with salt water after meals (1 tsp salt in a glass of warm water).

Resume brushing other teeth gently, avoiding the implant area until instructed otherwise.

Avoid

Smoking or vaping (especially for the first 72 hours—it delays healing).

Touching the implant site with fingers or tongue.

Vigorous rinsing or heavy physical activity.

When to Contact Us

Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure

Severe pain not controlled by medication

Swelling that worsens after day 3

Fever, pus, or bad taste/smell around the site

Follow-up appointments are essential. Please attend all scheduled reviews so we can monitor healing and guide the next step in your implant journey.