After dental implant surgery —
post-operative care instructions
Proper care after dental implant surgery is essential for successful healing and long-term implant success. Read all instructions carefully and contact our office in Irving, Mesquite, or Ennis with any questions before taking action.
Do not disturb the wound Critical
On the day of surgery, do not rinse, spit, or touch the wound area. A metal healing abutment will be protruding through the gum tissue — this is normal and expected. Any disturbance to the surgical site on day one can cause bleeding and delay healing.
Bleeding Important
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for the first 24 hours. If bleeding is excessive — your mouth fills rapidly with blood — bite firmly on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues after that, call our office immediately for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling after implant surgery is normal. To minimize it, apply an ice bag, plastic bag, or towel filled with ice to the cheek over the surgical area. Apply ice continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours. After 36 hours, ice has no further benefit.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids and food. On the day of surgery, eat soft foods and liquids only. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless your surgeon has instructed otherwise.
Pain management Important
Begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off — do not wait until pain becomes severe. For moderate pain: 1–2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3–4 hours, or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) 400–600 mg every 3–4 hours. For severe pain, take the prescribed medication as directed. Do not take any medication if you are allergic to it or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Antibiotics
Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed. Complete the full course — do not stop early, even if you feel better. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection at the implant site.
Oral hygiene Important
Good oral hygiene is essential to healing. Follow this schedule:
Night of surgery: use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed.
Day after surgery onward: use Peridex twice daily — after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds, then spit.
Salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used 4–5 times daily, especially after meals.
Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is fine. Be gentle around the surgical area initially.
Activity
Keep physical activity to a minimum immediately after surgery. Exercise may cause throbbing or bleeding — if this occurs, stop and rest. Your reduced food intake during recovery may also lower your energy, further limiting your ability to exert yourself safely.
Prosthesis and dentures Critical
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures must not be worn immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days. Wearing a prosthesis too soon places pressure on the surgical site and can compromise implant integration. This was discussed during your pre-operative consultation. Contact our office if you have questions.
When to call us Urgent
Contact your DFWOMS office immediately if you experience: excessive bleeding not controlled by gauze pressure; severe pain not managed by prescribed medication; signs of infection (fever, increasing swelling or redness after day 3); or any symptom that feels unexpected or worsening. Irving · Mesquite · Ennis: 972-594-7414.
Your care team is
ready to help.
Our oral surgeons and staff in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis are available to answer any questions about your dental implant recovery.
972.594.7414