The first week after an implant: what is normal, and what is not?

The first week after implant surgery is the most critical period for long-term success. This article summarises the expected findings, the warning signs and home care; individual instructions are always those of your own dentist.

The first 24 hours

• Cold application: on the cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, throughout the first day. After the second day the benefit of cold decreases.
• Light oozing: pink-coloured oozing in the saliva is normal in the first hours. For active, dripping bleeding, press on gauze for 20 minutes.
• No spitting, rinsing or straws: the negative pressure created in the mouth dislodges the clot.
• Medicines: the prescribed painkiller and, if prescribed, antibiotic are taken regularly; taking the painkiller before the pain starts is more effective.

Days 2–3: the peak of the swelling

Swelling generally reaches its highest level at the end of the second day and then subsides. Bruising may appear on the cheek; this is blood spreading through the tissue and it fades by turning yellow within a few days. Keeping the head elevated during this period (an extra pillow) reduces swelling. There may be temporary limitation in mouth opening.

Diet

In the first 2–3 days warm and soft foods are preferred; very hot drinks can increase bleeding. Chewing is done on the side opposite the surgical area. Hard, grainy (hazelnuts, sesame, rice) and sticky foods are avoided in the first week. Alcohol is not recommended, because it adversely affects healing and the action of medicines.

Smoking

Smoking is the most important preventable cause of implant failure: it reduces blood flow, disrupts the clot and increases the risk of inflammation around the implant. Quitting ahead of surgery and throughout healing is more effective than taking a break.

Hygiene

Teeth outside the surgical area are brushed normally from the first day. The surgical site is cleaned gently with a soft brush from the day your dentist recommends. If a chlorhexidine mouthwash has been recommended, it is used by holding it in the mouth without rinsing vigorously. Leaving the mouth unclean is riskier than cleaning it.

When should you contact the clinic?

• If the pain increases instead of decreasing after the 3rd day
• If the swelling makes swallowing or breathing difficult, or if there is a fever
• If the bleeding does not stop despite 20 minutes of pressure
• If the sutures have opened early and the area is completely exposed
• If the numbness has still not worn off 6–8 hours after the procedure

The sutures are generally removed after 7–10 days. This check is also the appointment at which healing is assessed; for patients who have returned abroad, follow-up is done remotely with photographs.

Frequently asked questions

When can I go back to a normal diet?

Most patients move on to a mixed soft-and-normal diet at the end of 1 week; for hard foods, one waits until fusion is complete.

Can I exercise?

Heavy exercise is avoided for the first 3–4 days; activities that raise blood pressure can increase bleeding and swelling.

Is there any obstacle to flying?

Flying 2–3 days after the procedure is generally not a problem; what limits you is the swelling and the diet.

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The information on this site is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment require an examination by a dentist.