Post-Treatment Care for Dental Implant Surgery

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! 😊