What to do after an implant has been placed

How to behave correctly after implant surgery.

When to call

Patients should contact their dentist promptly if any unusual symptoms occur

Throbbing pain on the day of the procedure.
Numbness at the implant site around 12 hours after the procedure.
Pain or swelling at the implant site several days after the procedure.
Further bleeding.
A loose temporary tooth.

After the procedure

The first days after the procedure

As with any surgery, patients should follow a few rules after an implant has been placed. Above all, avoid physical exertion and do not put yourself under physical strain. Rest helps after implant surgery. Following the placement, the mouth should be left alone at first, as your dentist advises, and cooled where appropriate.

Patients generally receive individual instructions from their treating dentist after the procedure. The dentist will explain in detail how an implant patient can support the healing process and avoid complications. A few helpful tips are listed here.

Sitting is better than lying down. Keep your head as upright as possible during the day and at night. Do not lie on the side where the implant is.
Do not drive in the first hours after the procedure. Your ability to take an active part in traffic may be impaired by the anaesthetic or other medication. Ask your dentist about this.
Do not use a toothbrush in the area of the implant until the sutures have been removed. Your dentist will recommend a mouth rinse several times a day instead of brushing.
Do not eat until the effect of the anaesthetic has worn off.
In the first days after the procedure, avoid alcohol, nicotine, coffee and black tea, and do not smoke.
Avoid sport and physical exertion in the first days after the procedure.
Follow the specific advice your dentist gives for your situation.
The treated area should be cooled from outside as soon as possible after the procedure, to counter any pain and swelling.
If your dentist has prescribed a medicine, take it immediately as instructed.
Take care with mouth rinses.
In the first hours after the procedure, do not rinse your mouth, as this can cause bleeding. Normally you can drink straight after treatment.
While the implant heals, it may be fitted with a healing abutment or a temporary restoration. A healing abutment is placed on the implant so that the gum can heal before the next stage of treatment. Do not chew on the side where the implant is: the implant has to be protected from loading.

The key points at a glance

After an implant has been placed, physical exertion and strain should be avoided.
The mouth is left alone at first and cooled only as your dentist advises.
Contact the practice promptly in case of throbbing pain, numbness, swelling, renewed bleeding or a loose temporary.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

What must I avoid after implant surgery?

Avoid physical exertion and strain. Rest helps the wound to heal; the mouth should be left alone at first.

When should I call the dentist after implant surgery?

With throbbing pain on the day of the procedure, a numb feeling about twelve hours afterwards, pain or swelling after several days, renewed bleeding, or a loosened temporary restoration.

Is swelling normal?

Slight swelling in the first few days is not unusual after surgery. If it increases after several days or is joined by pain, you should contact your practice.