You’ve just taken a major step toward restoring your smile and confidence with dental implant surgery. Here at East El Paso Dentist, we are honored to be a part of your oral health journey. Now that the procedure is complete, your focus shifts to recovery. The long-term success of your new implant depends heavily on how you care for yourself in the coming days and weeks.

It’s completely normal to have questions about what to expect during the healing process. To help you feel prepared and at ease, we have created this simple guide using our post-operative instructions. Following these steps will help ensure your recovery is as comfortable and smooth as possible.

Immediate Care: The First 24 Hours

The hours immediately following your surgery are crucial. During this time, a blood clot will form at the surgical site, acting as a natural bandage that protects the area. To ensure this clot stays in place and does its job, please follow these simple rules for the remainder of the day:

• Do not spit. Spitting creates suction in the mouth that can dislodge the clot. Instead, gently wipe your mouth with a tissue or simply swallow your saliva.
• Do not use a drinking straw. Similar to spitting, using a straw creates suction. Drink all liquids directly from the cup.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can significantly delay healing, increase your risk of infection, and compromise the success of your implant.
• Keep fingers and tongue away. It’s tempting to feel the area with your tongue, but this can introduce bacteria and irritate the healing tissues.

Managing Bleeding and Swelling

It is normal to experience some side effects after your surgery. Here’s what to expect and how to manage it.

Bleeding

Some minor bleeding or oozing is expected after implant surgery. This usually subsides within a couple of hours. To control it, keep the gauze we provided over the surgical site and bite down with firm, steady pressure for about 30 to 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, you can replace the gauze and repeat. If you experience heavy, uncontrolled bleeding, please call our office.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal part of your body’s healing response. It varies from person to person but typically peaks 24 to 48 hours after the procedure before it begins to improve. You may also notice some bruising on your face. Applying an ice pack to your cheek near the surgical site for 20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling.

Diet, Hygiene, and Medications

Proper care extends to what you eat and how you keep your mouth clean.

What to Eat

Once the local anesthetic has worn off, you can start with soft, non-abrasive foods. Good options include mashed potatoes, pasta, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and soup. As you feel up to it, you can gradually return to your normal diet, but be sure to avoid chewing directly on the implant site.

Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean is vital for preventing infection. Beginning the day after your surgery, you can gently rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in an eight-ounce glass of warm water). You can brush your teeth as usual but be very careful to avoid the surgical area.

Sutures and Bone Grafts

Unless you were told otherwise, your sutures will dissolve on their own within 4 to 10 days. If a bone graft was part of your procedure, you might notice some gritty material in your mouth for a day or two. This is normal and no cause for alarm.

Medications

Please take all prescribed medications as directed on the bottle.

• Antibiotics: If prescribed, finish the entire bottle to ensure any infection is completely cleared.
• Pain Medicine: For the first 24 hours, taking your prescribed pain medication on a set schedule can help you stay ahead of discomfort. Remember that narcotic pain medication causes drowsiness, so do not drive or operate machinery. You can switch to over-the-counter options like Tylenol® or ibuprofen as you feel better.

The Implant Healing Journey

Many patients wonder what to expect in the weeks and months ahead.

Will I See the Implant?

This depends on your specific procedure. In some cases, the implant is left to heal under the gum tissue. In others, a small metal “healing abutment” will be visible. Both are standard approaches, and your surgeon chose the best one for your situation.

When Will the Crown Be Placed?

The final step—placing the crown—can only happen after the implant has fused with the bone. This process is called osseointegration. The timeline varies from person to person based on bone quality and implant stability. Your surgeon will discuss your specific healing timeline with you.

Returning to Your Normal Routine

Rest is essential for healing. Once you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication, you can slowly get back to your normal activities. Listen to your body and ease back into exercise and other strenuous activities over several days.

Questions? We’re Here for You

At East El Paso Dentist, we are committed to your health and comfort. Following these instructions will help you heal quickly and successfully. If you have any questions, experience severe nausea, or have any other concerns about your recovery, please don’t hesitate to call our office. We are here to support you every step of the way.