The First 24 Hours
A little bleeding is normal. Bite gently on the gauze you are given, and replace it if needed.
Hold a cold compress to your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, to limit swelling. Rest, and keep your head raised on an extra pillow when you lie down.
- Don't rinse your mouth vigorously.
- Don't drink through a straw.
- Don't smoke.
- Avoid hot drinks until the numbness has worn off.
Days Two and Three
Swelling usually peaks around now and then begins to go down. Take the pain relief and any medicine your dentist prescribed, exactly as directed.
From the second day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean.
What to Eat
Choose soft, lukewarm food: yogurt, soup that has cooled, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, fish. Chew on the other side of your mouth.
Avoid anything hard, crunchy, sticky or very spicy near the implant.
Keeping It Clean
Keep brushing your other teeth as normal. Near the implant, brush very softly or follow your dentist's instructions until the area has healed.
By the End of the Week
Many patients return to much of their normal routine within a few days, although recovery varies. Keep avoiding hard food on that side, and come to your follow-up appointment so we can check your healing.
When to Call Us
Call the clinic if bleeding is heavy or won't stop, if swelling is getting worse after the third day, if you develop a fever, or if pain increases rather than eases.
