Home Care for Your Implant

Postsurgical Guidelines and Tips for Two Weeks Following Placement:

• After 24 hours, gentle heat can be beneficial
• Any bruising on the skin should clear up within a few days
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours
• Begin the use of the mouthwash you’re given on the evening of the surgery as directed, continuing for one week
• Bleeding is normal and can be slowed by applying a gauze or handkerchief for a total of 30 minutes
• Do not pull or lift cheek and lips to look at the placement site
• Do not touch the area with fingers or tongue
• Drink only cold beverages and refrain from eating until the anaesthetic has completely worn off
• Keep food particles away from the surgical site for as long as possible, rinsing your mouth after eating
• Refrain from brushing or flossing near the site for two days, then lightly do so for four days before returning to your regular oral hygiene routine
• Soreness can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers taken for a total of two days, with the first taken before the local anaesthetic wears off
• Swelling is normal and often can be worse in the mornings, but will reduce after 48 hours. You can apply ice packs or a bag of frozen peas that have been wrapped in a towel on the cheek area for 10 minutes at time, breaking for 20 minutes before reapplying
• Take prescribed medications as directed
• You may feel more comfortable sleeping on 2-3 pillows

Instructions for Multiple Implants

For placement of multiple implants:

• A liquid diet is necessary for two days, followed by two weeks’ worth of soft food consumption
• Do not chew using your implant crown for 6-8 weeks
• If your denture covers the surgical site, refrain from wearing it on the first day
• No drinking alcohol or smoking allowed until the site has completely healed
• No drinking through a straw
• Stitches are left for 2-3 weeks but can be removed after one if you’re uncomfortable
• Follow the home care guidelines after the stitches are removed (found below)

Implant Home Care Guidelines

After the site has healed and stitches have been removed, it’s essential that we ensure your implant integrates with the jawbone. To do so, there are several instructions to keep in mind:

• Brush with a low-abrasive toothpaste
• Do not drink alcohol for eight weeks afterwards
• Do not grind teeth, and use a mouth guard if you do
• Do not use an electric toothbrush on the implant
• Floss in a shoe shine motion with dental tape or use a water flosser 1-2 times per day
• If inflammation is present, use a rinse that is alcohol-free and anti-microbial along with a water irrigation unit with a 1:10 dilution
• If recommended by your dentist, use an interdental brush, soft picks, rubber tip or water irrigation unit 1-2 times daily
• If you notice pain, swelling or bleeding, notify us immediately
• Refrain from smoking
• Visit your dentist for X-rays and a cleaning every six months

Eating and Drinking Guidelines

Dental implants are strong and durable, but you must take care to avoid any extremes:

• Avoid eating hot and cold liquids or food together, which can cause expansion and contraction of your dental implant, leading to cracking or chipping
• Refrain from eating or chewing food that is too hot or hard
• Avoid hot beverages, which can heat up your dental implant