Proper aftercare is crucial for healing and long-term success following dental implant surgery. Some pain, swelling, and minor bleeding are normal, but following these guidelines will ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications.
📞 If you experience excessive bleeding, worsening pain, or unusual swelling after 48-72 hours, call Manhattan Dental Spa immediately at 212-683-2530.
🦷 First 24 Hours: Immediate Aftercare
✔ Protect the Surgical Site
🚫 Do NOT pull on your lip or touch the area with your fingers or tongue—this can disrupt healing.
✔ Minimize Bleeding
✔ Some mild bleeding or oozing is normal in the first 24 hours.
✔ Bite gently on gauze for 30-45 minutes if bleeding persists.
✔ If excessive bleeding continues after 24 hours, call our office immediately.
✔ Avoid Suction & Pressure
🚫 No spitting, rinsing, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 24 hours—these actions can dislodge the forming blood clot.
❄️ Managing Swelling & Discomfort
✔ Swelling around the face, eyes, and implant site is normal and may peak after 2-3 days.
✔ Use cold compress therapy: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth near the implant site for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 36 hours.
✔ After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to reduce stiffness and swelling.
✔ Pain Management
✔ Take ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
✔ If pain increases after a few days, call us immediately—this may indicate an infection.
🍽️ Eating & Drinking Guidelines
✔ Stick to soft foods & liquids for the first few days—soups, yogurt, juice, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc.
✔ Avoid hot, spicy, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages that can irritate the site.
✔ No hard, crunchy, or sticky foods—these can disrupt healing.
💡 Tip: Drink plenty of water, but do not use a straw.
🪥 Oral Hygiene & Cleaning
✔ First 24 Hours: Avoid brushing, rinsing, or spitting.
✔ After 24 hours: Gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt + 8 oz warm water) 3 times daily, especially after meals.
✔ Avoid brushing near the implant site for the first few days, but continue brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth.
🦷 Wearing Dentures After Implant Surgery
✔ If you wear a denture that overlaps the implant site, minimize use for the first few days to allow proper healing.
✔ After one week, you may gradually increase the amount of time you wear your denture.
🏃 Activity Restrictions
✔ Rest for the first 24 hours—avoid excessive movement, strenuous exercise, or heavy lifting.
✔ Resume normal activities the next day as tolerated, but avoid anything that raises blood pressure for a few days.
🚨 When to Call Us
📞 Contact Manhattan Dental Spa at 212-683-2530 if you experience:
❌ Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with gauze pressure
❌ Increasing pain or swelling after a few days
❌ Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste, persistent swelling)
❌ Implant site appears loose or exposed
Keeping your follow-up appointments is critical so we can monitor your healing progress and ensure implant success!
Following these instructions will support healing and help ensure a strong, long-lasting dental implant. For any concerns, don’t hesitate to call us! 😊