The first 24 hours after implant surgery are critical for clot formation and the start of the healing process. Please follow these instructions carefully.
Rest: Go home and rest. Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.
Bleeding: Some oozing is normal for the first few hours. Bite gently but firmly on the gauze packs provided. Change them every 30–45 minutes as needed. Light pink-tinged saliva is normal for 24 hours.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours — this protects the blood clot forming around the implant.
Do not smoke — smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure and infection.
Avoid touching the site with your tongue or fingers.
Keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping — use an extra pillow. This reduces swelling.
Ice packs: Apply to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours to minimise swelling.
Swelling and Bruising — What to Expect
Swelling after implant surgery is expected and is not a sign that anything has gone wrong.
Swelling typically peaks on day 2 or 3 and then gradually reduces over 5–7 days.
You may develop bruising on your face, neck, or cheek. This is normal and will fade over 1–2 weeks.
After the first 24 hours, switch from ice packs to warm compresses on the face (10–15 minutes, several times a day) to help reduce residual swelling.
If swelling is worsening after day 4 or is spreading rapidly, contact your dentist — this may indicate infection.
Pain Management and Medication
Take pain relief promptly — do not wait until the anaesthetic has fully worn off and pain is severe.
Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed. If antibiotics have been prescribed, complete the full course even if you feel better.
For over-the-counter pain relief: ibuprofen 400mg three times daily with food (if safe for you — avoid if you take blood-thinning medications, have stomach problems, or are pregnant) and/or paracetamol 1g up to four times daily. These can be alternated for better effect.
Do not take aspirin — it thins the blood and may increase bleeding.
Prescription pain relief, if provided, should be taken as directed. If you have been prescribed opioid-containing painkillers (such as codeine or co-codamol), do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol while taking them — this is a legal requirement.
Diet and Oral Hygiene
Diet:
Eat soft foods only for the first 2 weeks: yoghurt, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, soup (not too hot), soft fish, avocado, smoothies.
Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods around the implant site for at least 6–8 weeks (or as directed by your dentist).
Do not chew directly on the implant site until your dentist confirms the implant has integrated (osseointegration).
Avoid very hot food or drinks for the first 24 hours.
Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours and while taking antibiotics.
Do not use a straw for the first 48 hours.
Oral hygiene:
Do not rinse on the day of surgery.
From day 2: gently rinse with warm salty water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) after every meal. Continue for 2 weeks.
If prescribed a chlorhexidine mouthwash, use it as directed.
Brush your other teeth normally but avoid the implant site for the first week. Then very gently introduce cleaning around the site using a soft toothbrush.
Do not use an electric toothbrush near the implant site for the first 2 weeks.
Things You Must Avoid
The following can seriously compromise your implant's ability to integrate (bond with the bone) and may lead to implant failure:
Smoking: Smokers have significantly higher implant failure rates. Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery, and ideally permanently.
Alcohol for at least 48 hours.
Strenuous exercise for 48–72 hours — raised blood pressure can cause bleeding and disrupt healing.
Flying if advised to avoid this by your dentist (relevant after sinus lift procedures).
Blowing your nose forcefully if a sinus lift was performed alongside the implant placement.
Removing or lifting the surgical dressing if one was placed.
Wearing any removable dentures over the surgical site unless specifically approved by your dentist.
When to Contact Your Implant Dentist
Contact your implant dentist or practice without delay if you experience:
Heavy bleeding that does not stop with 30–60 minutes of pressure
Severe pain not controlled by prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers
Swelling that is getting worse after day 4, or spreading to your neck
A temperature above 38°C
The implant feeling like it is loose or moving
Pus or discharge from the wound site
Persistent numbness in your lip, chin, or tongue beyond 8 hours
For out-of-hours emergencies: contact your practice's emergency line. If unavailable, call NHS 111. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Contact your implant dentist immediately if you have heavy bleeding that will not stop, severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication, swelling that is rapidly worsening or spreading to your neck, a temperature above 38°C, or if the implant feels like it is moving. For breathing or swallowing difficulties, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
References
Aligned with guidance from: FGDP(UK), SDCEP, ITI (International Team for Implantology) guidelines.