Post-Operative Instructions

The first 2 weeks after surgery are very important. Healing of the bone around the implants takes 3–6 months. These instructions apply to all types of dental implant procedures, with or without bone grafting, sinus lift, ridge expansion, or soft tissue grafting.

Dental implant with sinus lift and bone grafting

General care after the surgery

• Do not disturb the surgical site: avoid touching, rinsing vigorously, or spitting forcefully for 24 hours to allow proper healing.
• Bleeding: some bleeding or pink saliva is normal for the first 24–48 hours. If excessive bleeding occurs, bite on a gauze pad placed over the surgical site for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and maintain pressure. Contact us if the bleeding does not subside.

• Swelling and bruising: swelling is common and may peak within 48–72 hours. Bruising on the cheek or soft tissue near the surgical site is also normal and will gradually subside. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the surgical side for the first 24 hours.
• How to apply an ice pack: wrap the ice pack in a thin towel or cloth to avoid direct contact with your skin, which could cause frostbite or irritation, then apply the ice pack to the surgical side for 15 minutes, then remove it for 15 minutes. Repeat this cycle as needed.
• After 24 hours: you may use a warm compress to help reduce any remaining swelling or bruising.
• How to apply warm compress:
  • Use a clean cloth soaked in warm water (temperature around 40–45°C; comfortably warm but not hot);
  • Wring out excess water so the cloth is damp, not dripping;
  • Place the warm compress gently on the affected area for 15–20 minutes;
  • Allow the skin to cool for 15 minutes before reapplying, if needed;
• Alternative method: you can use a warm boiled egg (about 40–45°C) as an alternative compress. Roll the warm egg gently over the swollen area. Ensure the egg is wrapped in a thin cloth to maintain hygiene and prevent burns.
• Precautions: test the temperature of the compress or egg on your wrist to avoid burns or discomfort. Avoid applying excessive pressure or placing the warm compress directly over sutures or the surgical site. 

Specific instructions for one-stage and two-stage implant procedures

If you have dentures or teeth over the implant site

• Adjustment: ensure that dentures or restorations are adjusted by the dentist to prevent undue pressure on the implant site.
• Wearing dentures: avoid wearing dentures during the first one or 2 weeks unless modified by your dentist. Remove dentures at night to allow the surgical site to rest.
• Cleaning: clean your dentures thoroughly with a soft brush and a denture-cleaning solution. Avoid using toothpaste, as it may scratch surfaces.

For more information, please refer to our patient education material ‘Dentures instructions’.

• Pressure avoidance: do not chew hard foods or bite directly on the implant site with dentures or temporary teeth. Too much pressure on the healing implant site may contribute to implant failure. Ensure regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor the fit of the denture.

Pain management

• Medications: take the prescribed pain medications as directed. Avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.
• When to expect relief: pain should subside significantly after 3–5 days. Contact us if it worsens after this period.

Oral hygiene

• First 24 hours: avoid rinsing or brushing around the surgical site.
• From day 2 to day 14:
  • Start rinsing gently with Kin Gingival^® mouthwash twice daily after meals. Avoid vigorous rinsing;
  • Brushing:
    • Use a soft-bristle manual toothbrush to clean other teeth, avoiding the surgical site (use only mouth rinses (Kin Gingival® mouthwash) to clean the area, do not brush directly over the surgical site during first 1-2 weeks);
    • For the one-stage implant procedure and the second surgery of two-stage implant procedure: after one week, begin brushing gently around the healing cap using a manual toothbrush with soft bristles;
  • Gently clean the surgical area with sterile gauze (or using special surgical toothbrush with very soft-bristle – such as Tepe Special Care^® toothbrush) soaked in saline solution or with Kin Gingival^® mouthwash once or twice a day. Do not rub or scrub the surgical site.

• After 2 weeks: gradually resume gentle brushing near the surgical site.
• Do not use an electric toothbrush, water flossers, or interdental brushes in or near the surgical site, at least for the first 3 months, especially where sutures are present. These actions may dislodge the sutures, disrupt the gingival tissue healing, or remove the Spongel^®, a kind of dental sponge, used for haemostasis in donor sites such as the palate.

Diet

• First 2 hours: avoid eating or drinking to stabilise the clot.
• First 24–48 hours: stick to soft, cold, or lukewarm foods (in example yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, or soup). Avoid straws, as suction can disrupt healing.
• Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, as well as foods with seeds or grains that could lodge in the surgical site.
• Chewing: avoid chewing hard and sticky foods on the surgical side for at least 2 weeks after surgery to prevent disturbance of the healing area.

• Examples of candies and food to avoid:
  • Nuts (almonds, peanuts etc.)
  • Hard candies or toffees
  • Raw vegetables (carrots, celery etc.)
  • Crusty bread or baguettes
  • Tough meats (jerky etc.)
  • Ice cubes or anything that requires significant force to bite,
  • Chewing gum
  • Caramel or toffee
  • Gummy candies (jelly beans, fruit chews etc.)
  • Sticky rice or glutinous foods (mocha etc.)
  • Taffy or similar sugary
  • Adhesive foods etc.

• Hydration: drink plenty of water but avoid hot liquid for the first 48 hours, cool liquids are fine but avoid sucking through a straw. 

Smoking and alcohol

• Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 10 days before surgery and 2 weeks after the surgery, as these can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
• In general smoking may contribute to implant failure so smokers are advised to quit. 

Activity

• Rest and relax.
• Limit physical activities for 2–3 days.
• Avoid heavy lifting, or bending over, which can increase bleeding and swelling.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity for 2 weeks after surgery. 

Temporary numbness

• It is normal to experience temporary numbness in your lower lip, chin, or around the surgical site.
• This sensation usually resolves within days to weeks.
• Contact us if it persists beyond this timeframe.

Medications

• Antibiotics: take as prescribed to prevent infection. Complete the full course even if you feel well.
• Pain medication: use as prescribed to manage discomfort.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: follow instructions if these are prescribed to reduce swelling. 

Sinus precautions (if sinus lift or ridge expansion was performed)

• Activity: to protect the surgical site for at least 2 weeks, especially after procedures like sinus lifts, avoid activities that increase pressure in your sinus cavities to prevent disruption of the sinus membrane, such as:
  • Blowing your nose: if necessary, gently dab your nose with a tissue instead of forceful blowing;
  • Sneezing: if you feel the urge to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to minimise pressure on the sinus membrane;
  • Using straws or engaging in activities that create suction in your mouth as it creates negative pressure in your mouth and sinuses;
  • Scuba diving or flying: activities that involve significant changes in air pressure should be avoided for at least 2–3 weeks;
  • Heavy lifting or straining: avoid strenuous activities that might increase blood flow and sinus pressure.
• Nasal bleeding: a small amount of blood from the nose is normal after a sinus lift and should stop within a few days. 

Grafting sites care (if grafting was performed)

• Bone grafting: it is normal for small particles of graft material to appear in your mouth. This does not affect the success of the graft.
• Soft tissue grafting: avoid trauma to the donor site (palate, tuberosity, etc.) and the recipient area. Protect the area from excessive movement. 

Follow-up

• Return for a follow-up visit after 1 week (do NOT wait if there are signs of infection or unusual discomfort – see below).
• Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled. These are crucial for monitoring healing and the integration of the implant or graft material.
• Sutures may need to be removed or checked unless absorbable stitches were used (absorbable stitches will fall out on their own usually after 2 weeks but it can take up to 4 weeks). 

Contact us immediately if you experience

• Severe or worsening pain, throbbing pain;
• Prolonged swelling or bleeding;
• Persistent fever (temperature above 38.5°C for more than 4 hours) or chills;
• Foul odour, unusual discharge, or other signs of infection at the surgical site;
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing;
• Any adverse reaction to medications;
• Prolonged numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or surgical area.