What To Do After Implant Surgery

During the healing period, we may fit a temporary crown or a healing cap onto the implant, according to your individual situation. If your temporary restoration becomes loose, please let us know.

Local anaesthesia may take several hours to wear off. It is important to completely avoid eating and drinking any hot food whilst you are numb.

Rinse with the mouthwash provided as directed by your Priory House dentist, or use half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water 5-6 times daily for 5 days. Rinse very gently to avoid disturbing the site and help keep it clean.

Do:

• Keep your head elevated throughout the day. Sitting is better than lying down.
• At night time, position your head higher than the rest of your body.
• Attend follow-up visits as instructed by your Priory House dentist.

Don’t:

• If you have had any sedation for the procedure, it is imperative that you do not drive, operate machinery or sign any legal documents for 24 hours.
• Do not take part in any vigorous exercise for 3 days after surgery.
• It is possible to drink following surgery, but we advise you to completely avoid drinking hot drinks for 12 hours.
• Do not eat anything before the local anaesthetic has worn off.
• Do not suck anything through a straw for the first 3 days; blow up balloons or play wind instruments, as this may encourage bleeding.
• While sleeping, avoid resting your head on the side where the surgery has taken place.

Implant placement is a routine procedure, and complications are very rare. It is normal to have some swelling, bruising and discomfort for the first week after your procedure.

Bleeding

In case of bleeding, fold and moisten the pad of gauze provided and bite on it for 10-15 minutes. Do not disturb the pad during this time. Do not use cotton wool or tissues to bite on; try to keep your head elevated. If you continue to experience bleeding, call Priory House.

Swelling

In addition to taking any medications given to you by Priory House, you can reduce possible swelling by keeping your head elevated above chest level during the first 24 hours after the surgery.

When to call Priory House

• If you have persistent swelling or throbbing pain several days after surgery.
• If bleeding occurs.
• If you still feel numb 6 hours after surgery.
• If you develop any symptoms or have questions not covered in your post-operative instructions.

Your Priory House dentist may prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, and possibly steroids for you. It is important to keep to the specified dosages.

Meticulous and consistent oral hygiene helps to ensure your dental implant will provide years of comfortable service.

After you have received your permanent restoration, your new teeth will be just as stable as your natural ones. You can include them fully in your daily oral hygiene routine. Ideally, brush your teeth after every main meal, particularly after breakfast and at night.

We will demonstrate appropriate cleaning techniques so that you can become familiar with the tools and procedures that are required for implant care. In general, you should care for your dental implant in the same manner as you would your natural teeth.

Cleaning the spaces between is also important. Use the cleaning aids we recommend, such as interdental brushes, and give yourself sufficient time to clean your teeth and spaces thoroughly. Please call Priory House if you have any questions.

Professional cleaning is important, too. We suggest suitable review appointments based on the complexity of your dental restorations and overall oral health.