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470-239-42895520 Castleberry Rd., Suite 300, Cumming, GA 30040
Dental implant surgery post-op care

Post-Operative Instructions: Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant placement requires careful aftercare to support successful healing and implant integration. Please follow these instructions closely.

Bleeding

  • Mild bleeding or oozing is normal for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
  • Bite on gauze pads placed over the surgical area for 30 to 45 minutes. Replace as needed.
  • Avoid spitting, rinsing forcefully, or using a straw for 24 hours.

Swelling

  • Apply ice packs to the outside of your face — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 48 hours.
  • Swelling may peak 2 to 3 days after surgery and is a normal part of the healing process.
  • Sleeping with your head elevated on extra pillows can help reduce swelling.

Pain Management

  • Take pain medication as prescribed before the numbness wears off.
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is often effective and may be alternated with prescribed medication as directed.
  • If prescribed antibiotics, complete the entire course as directed.

Diet

  • Follow a soft diet for the first 1 to 2 weeks — yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and protein shakes.
  • Do not chew directly on the implant site.
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or very hot foods until cleared by your surgeon.
  • Stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Oral Hygiene

  • Do not brush the surgical site for the first 48 hours. Gently brush all other teeth.
  • After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) after meals.
  • If prescribed a medicated rinse (chlorhexidine), use as directed.
  • Do not use an electric toothbrush or water flosser near the implant site until cleared.

Healing Abutment & Implant Care

  • Do not touch or disturb the implant site with your tongue or fingers.
  • If a healing abutment is placed, you may feel it slightly above the gum — this is normal.
  • If a temporary prosthesis was provided, follow specific wear instructions from Dr. Shin.

Activity

  • Limit physical activity for 3 to 5 days after surgery.
  • Avoid bending over, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise during the initial healing period.
  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks. Smoking impairs blood flow and can lead to implant failure.

When to Contact Us

  • Pain that worsens after the first few days rather than improving.
  • Excessive or persistent bleeding.
  • The implant feels loose or the healing abutment falls off.
  • Fever, pus, or a foul taste indicating possible infection.
  • Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours.

Your follow-up appointments are important for monitoring healing and implant integration. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 470-239-4289.