Aftercare following a dental implant

In short: after an implant, the first few days call for a soft diet, cold on the area, gentle hygiene and no tobacco. Most people are back to almost normal life in two or three days. In the long term, an implant is cared for like a natural tooth: good hygiene and check-ups. Its biggest enemy is not food, it is gum infection if it is neglected.

The first few days: what matters most

The first 48-72 hours are the key ones. These guidelines keep everything running smoothly:

• Soft, lukewarm or cold diet. Purées, yoghurt, omelette, soft fish. Nothing hard, very hot or spicy.
• Chew on the other side, without loading the implant area.
• Cold for the first few hours (an ice pack on the cheek, in spells) for the swelling.
• Gentle hygiene from day one, avoiding the wound, as your dentist advises.
• No tobacco or alcohol. Tobacco is what most hinders healing.
• Take the medication you have been prescribed, without skipping it.

Some discomfort and swelling in the first few days is normal; we explain it in does getting an implant hurt?. What is not normal is for the pain to increase after a week: if it does, call the clinic.

When do I get back to normal?

Most people return to work and their routine in 2-3 days. It is advisable to avoid intense exercise for the first 48-72 hours. Eating everything, normally, comes gradually as it heals, following the pace your dentist sets.

Long-term care (what makes it last for years)

This is the key to an implant lasting a very long time. An implant does not get decay, but the gum around it can get infected: this is peri-implantitis, the equivalent of gum disease but around the implant. We cover it in what is peri-implantitis.

To avoid it:

• Brush twice a day.
• Clean between your teeth (interdental brush or water flosser): that is where the things that harm the implant build up. We look at it in floss, interdental brush or water flosser.
• Check-ups and cleanings at the clinic on a regular basis.

Cared for like this, an implant can be with you for many years, as we see in how long an implant lasts.

Have you just had an implant placed or are you about to? We give you all the personalised guidance at the consultation. The first visit is free. Book an appointment whenever you need.