Post-Op Instructions: Dental Implant Placement

Thank you for trusting us with your care. You have just received a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Please follow these instructions carefully to promote healing and protect your implant.

First 24 Hours

✅ Bleeding: Mild oozing is normal. Bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes. Replace as needed. If bleeding continues, dampen a tea bag and bite gently for 30 minutes.
✅ Swelling: Apply an ice pack to the cheek near the implant site (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for the first 6–8 hours. Swelling usually peaks at 48 hours, then improves.
✅ Rest: Avoid strenuous activity. Keep your head slightly elevated while resting.
✅ Do not disturb the site: Avoid touching the area with your fingers or tongue.

Eating & Drinking

    • Stick to soft, cool foods (yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, soup) for the first few days.
    • Avoid hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods.
    • No straws, smoking, or spitting—these can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
    • Drink plenty of fluids.

Oral Hygiene

    • Do not brush directly on the implant site for the first 24 hours.
    • After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) 3–4 times per day, especially after meals.
    • Continue brushing and flossing normally in other areas of your mouth.

Pain & Medications

    • Take prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter relievers as directed.
    • If antibiotics were prescribed, take the full course even if you feel better.
    • Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal and will improve over several days.

Healing Expectations

    • Gum tenderness, mild bleeding, and slight bruising may occur.
    • Stitches (if placed) may dissolve on their own or be removed at your follow-up visit.
    • The implant needs time (3 months) to fuse with the bone before a crown or denture can be attached.

Call Us If You Notice:

 ❌ Severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication
 ❌ Excessive bleeding that won’t stop
 ❌ Fever, chills, or signs of infection
 ❌ Increasing swelling after 3 days
 ❌ The implant feels loose or unstable

Call Lowcountry Family Dentistry 

If you have any concerns, please call our office at (843-651-6776). For after-hours emergencies, go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room.