If you’ve just had dental implant surgery, congratulations on taking an important step toward a healthier, more confident smile! At Keep Smiling Family Dental, we’re here to support you through every part of your recovery. To help you heal quickly and comfortably, we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide.
Take things one step at a time, and remember—we’re here for you if you have any questions or concerns.
For the Rest of the Day

After your dental implant procedure, your body will begin the healing process. To ensure proper recovery, follow these instructions carefully for the remainder of the day after surgery:
- Do not spit. If you need to clear your mouth, use a tissue to wipe gently or simply swallow your saliva.
- Avoid drinking straws. Drink directly from a cup.
- No smoking. This is important to reduce the risk of complications like bleeding or infection.
- Keep your hands and tongue away from the surgical area to prevent irritation.
Spitting, smoking, poking the area, or using a straw can disturb the blood clot that forms at the surgical site. This can lead to unnecessary bleeding and delay your healing process. Smoking also increases the risk of infection, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Managing Bleeding
A little bleeding after surgery is completely normal. Here’s what to expect and how to manage it effectively:
- Some minor bleeding or oozing is common for a few hours after surgery, but it should stop within an hour or two.
- To control bleeding, place a piece of gauze over the surgical site and apply gentle biting pressure for 30–45 minutes.
- If bleeding persists and you’re unsure of what to do, give our office a call. We’re here to help.
Handling Swelling
Swelling is another normal part of the healing process. Here’s what to expect and how to manage it for a smoother recovery:
- Swelling may increase over the first 24–48 hours after surgery but will start to decrease after that. It can last a few days.
- Some patients may notice bruising on the face near the surgical site; this is perfectly normal and will fade with time.
To feel more comfortable, you can use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for short intervals (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) during the first 24 hours after surgery.
Eating and Your Diet
What you eat matters after dental surgery, so stick to softer foods to avoid discomfort and complications.
- Once the numbness from the local anesthetic wears off, you can enjoy soft, non-abrasive foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soup, pasta, or cottage cheese.
- Avoid chewing directly on the implant sites.
- When you’re ready, you can gradually return to your regular diet as you feel comfortable.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is essential during recovery, but it’s important to be gentle around the surgical area.
- Starting the day after surgery, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water).
- Brush your teeth as usual, but be very careful near the implant site to avoid irritation.
Sutures
If sutures (stitches) were placed during your surgery, here’s what you should know:
- Most of the time, these sutures dissolve on their own within 4–10 days.
- The timing varies from patient to patient, so don’t worry if they take a little longer to fall out.
Bone Graft Material
If bone graft material was placed during your procedure, don’t be alarmed if you notice some gritty particles in your mouth. This is normal and should subside within a day or two.
What to Expect with Your Implant
Depending on the procedure, you may or may not see the implant right away.
- If the implant is buried under the gum tissue, you’ll return for a second procedure to uncover it, allowing it to be restored.
- If the implant is visible, it means the second stage of the procedure isn’t needed. Once your bone has healed, the restoring dentist will access the implant and complete your treatment.
When Can the Crown Be Placed?
The final step involves placing a dental crown on the implant, but this can only happen after the implant has fused with your bone—a process called osseointegration.
- The length of healing varies depending on your bone quality and quantity.
- Your surgeon will discuss the exact timeline with you and ensure you are fully informed about when to expect the next step.
Medications
To manage discomfort and prevent infection, follow all post-surgery medication instructions carefully.
- Antibiotics: Take your antibiotics as prescribed and finish the entire bottle. Stopping early could lead to complications.
- Pain Medication: If prescribed narcotic pain relief, take it as directed but remember that these medications can make you drowsy. Avoid driving, swimming, or operating machinery while using them.
- Once you feel ready, you can switch to over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen as recommended by your surgeon.
If you experience severe nausea, diarrhea, or trouble swallowing should arise, contact our office right away for guidance.
Resuming Activities
When you’ve stopped taking narcotic pain medication, you can return to your regular activities as soon as you feel ready.
- Take it slow at first if you want to exercise or enjoy recreational activities. Gradually increase your activity levels over a few days to ease back into your normal routine.
Got Questions? We’re Here for You!
At Keep Smiling Family Dental—El Paso / Eastlake Blvd. – Horizon City location, we want your healing process to be smooth and stress-free. If you have any questions about your recovery or the dental implant procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
- During office hours: Call us for immediate assistance.
- After hours: Call our office, and we’ll return your call as soon as possible.
You’ve made an excellent choice for your smile, and we can’t wait to see your progress! Stick to these post-operative instructions for the best possible recovery, and remember, we’re just a phone call away if you need us.
Here’s to a happy and healthy smile!