After Your Surgery

Post-Operative Instructions
for Dental Implants

Avoid rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours after your procedure to allow healing to begin undisturbed.
Try not to touch the surgical site with your tongue or fingers—keeping the area undisturbed helps it heal properly.
To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek near the surgical site for the first 48 hours. Use it in 20-minute intervals with 10-minute breaks in between. (A bag of frozen peas works great in a pinch.)
If you’re feeling mild discomfort, you can take Tylenol® or ibuprofen every 3 to 4 hours as needed.
For more intense pain, use the prescription pain medication provided to you—just follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Stay well hydrated, but avoid using a straw. The suction can disturb the healing site and may lead to complications like dry socket.
If you smoke, it’s best to avoid it for at least five days after surgery. Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
Take it easy for a few days—skip strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 3 to 4 days. If you resume activity after that, do so gradually, as you may feel light-headed or weak due to reduced eating and hydration.
If your jaw feels tight or sore, applying warm, moist heat to the outside of your face can help loosen the muscles and bring relief.
Starting the day after surgery, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals for about a week. This helps clear out food particles and keep the area clean. (Use ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and feel free to add a little mouthwash if you prefer.)
Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods and cool drinks while you heal. Avoid anything that might get stuck in the extraction site, like seeds, popcorn, nuts, or rice.

Post-Operative Instructions for Dental Implants

Avoid rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours after your procedure to allow healing to begin undisturbed.
Try not to touch the surgical site with your tongue or fingers—keeping the area undisturbed helps it heal properly.
To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek near the surgical site for the first 48 hours. Use it in 20-minute intervals with 10-minute breaks in between. (A bag of frozen peas works great in a pinch.)
If you’re feeling mild discomfort, you can take Tylenol® or ibuprofen every 3 to 4 hours as needed.
For more intense pain, use the prescription pain medication provided to you—just follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Stay well hydrated, but avoid using a straw. The suction can disturb the healing site and may lead to complications like dry socket.
If you smoke, it’s best to avoid it for at least five days after surgery. Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
Take it easy for a few days—skip strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 3 to 4 days. If you resume activity after that, do so gradually, as you may feel light-headed or weak due to reduced eating and hydration.
If your jaw feels tight or sore, applying warm, moist heat to the outside of your face can help loosen the muscles and bring relief.
Starting the day after surgery, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals for about a week. This helps clear out food particles and keep the area clean. (Use ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and feel free to add a little mouthwash if you prefer.)
Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods and cool drinks while you heal. Avoid anything that might get stuck in the extraction site, like seeds, popcorn, nuts, or rice.