How do I care for my dental implant after surgery?
Quick answer: Protect the site, keep it clean gently, and follow the specific instructions your clinician gave you.
The first few days
- Avoid disturbing the surgical site
- Soft food, and avoid chewing on that side
- No smoking, which significantly affects healing
- Cold pack on the outside of the face for swelling
- Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed
Keeping it clean
Gentle brushing of the surrounding teeth from day one, avoiding the site itself. Warm salt water rinses from 24 hours onwards.
When to get in touch
Increasing pain after the first few days, swelling that worsens, bleeding that will not settle, or if the implant feels loose.
Note: Your clinician will have given you instructions specific to your surgery. Where those differ from this article, follow theirs.