Aftercare Instructions

First 24 hours – Immediate post-surgery care

Your immediate post-surgery care is crucial in setting the foundation for a smooth recovery. Here’s what to do during the first 24 hours:

• Gauze: Keep the gauze in place for 30-60 minutes after surgery to help control any initial bleeding. After this, remove the gauze.
• Avoid specific actions: To prevent excessive bleeding, refrain from rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Medication: Follow the instructions for pain relief and antibiotics as prescribed. These will help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
• Cold compress: To help minimise swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face near the surgical site for 15-20 minute intervals during the first 24 hours.

One week after surgery – Healing and recovery

During the first week after surgery, your body will begin the healing process. Here’s how to ensure continued recovery:

• Diet: Stick to soft foods such as soups, yoghurts, and smoothies to avoid disturbing the implant site. Be mindful to avoid hot or spicy foods that may irritate the area.
• Oral hygiene: Continue your gentle oral hygiene routine—brush your teeth, but avoid brushing directly over the surgical site for at least a week. We’ll advise on the best approach for cleaning around your implants.
• Swelling and bruising: Any swelling or bruising around the surgical site should begin to subside after the first few days. If these symptoms persist or worsen, contact us for further advice.

Two weeks after surgery – Progress and follow-up care

By this stage, your healing should be progressing well, and most patients report significant improvement. Here’s what to expect:

• Follow-up appointment: We will schedule a follow-up appointment with our restorative dentist to assess the healing process. This is when we will evaluate the implant site and ensure that everything is progressing as planned.
• Pain and discomfort: At this point, most patients find that they no longer need to take painkillers, as discomfort should be minimal.
• New oral hygiene regimen: We will provide a customised oral hygiene routine tailored to maintaining the health of your implant and preparing you for the next stage of treatment. This routine will ensure that your implant remains healthy during the healing process.

Long-term care – Maintaining your implants for life

Once the implant has integrated with your bone and the healing process is complete, long-term care becomes essential for the durability and functionality of your implants:

• Single implant: You can care for a single implant just as you would your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and attend routine dental check-ups to ensure the implant is in optimal condition.
• Full mouth implants and teeth in a day: For full mouth implants or Teeth in a Day, a slightly more advanced cleaning regimen is needed. Water flossers and specific brushes will make it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas, keeping your implants healthy and plaque-free.
• Avoid hard foods: To protect your implants, avoid foods that could damage them, such as nuts, ice, or hard candies. These can potentially cause wear or breakage to your implants.

SOS signs – When to call us

While healing from dental implants is usually a smooth process, it’s essential to monitor your recovery and contact us immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• Persistent bleeding beyond the first 24 hours.
• Severe pain that is not relieved by medication.
• Excessive swelling or pus around the implant site.
• A loose implant or bridge.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact us immediately. We are here to ensure your healing process goes smoothly and to address any concerns you may have.

At our clinic, we are committed to providing you with comprehensive care and support at every stage of your dental implant journey. If you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to ensure that your new smile is beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting.