After an implant is placed
For anyone who has had an implant post placed today, with or without a bone graft.
Call us if…
- Bleeding does not settle with firm pressure.
- Pain increases after day three instead of easing.
- You feel the implant or a healing cap move.
- Swelling is worsening after day three, or you develop a fever.
- A stitch comes loose and the site feels open.
Cherry Ave: (562) 422-683810th St: (562) 438-2500
Spreading facial swelling, fever with trouble swallowing, or any difficulty breathing means the emergency room, not the dental office.
The first 24 hours
- Some oozing is normal. Bite gently on gauze if you need to, and keep your head propped up.
- Cold pack on the outside, 20 minutes on and 20 off, for the first day.
- Do not rinse or spit today. If a graft was placed, disturbing the site can move the graft material.
- No smoking. Smoking measurably reduces the chance the implant integrates, and the first weeks matter most.
The next few days
- Warm salt water rinses from tomorrow, gently, after meals.
- Use any prescribed rinse exactly as directed rather than more often.
- Brush your other teeth normally and keep the area around the site clean but untouched by the brush for the first few days.
- Some bruising and swelling for three or four days is expected.
Eating and drinking
- Soft food on the other side for the first week or as long as we told you.
- Nothing hard, crunchy or chewy directly over the site — no nuts, crusty bread or ice.
- No straws for a week if a graft was placed.