A dental implant can’t get a cavity, but it still needs care. The first few weeks protect the healing site. After that, daily habits and regular checkups keep the gum and bone around your implant healthy for the long haul.
Here’s what we tell our patients at Siena Dental.
The First 24 Hours
- Bite gently on gauze to control any bleeding.
- Use an ice pack on your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, to limit swelling.
- Rest and keep your head raised when lying down.
- Don’t rinse, spit forcefully, or use a straw.
- Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed.
The First Week
- Eat soft foods: Yogurt, eggs, soup, smoothies (with a spoon), mashed potatoes, and pasta are good choices. Chew on the other side.
- Rinse gently: Starting the day after surgery, rinse with warm salt water a few times a day, especially after meals.
- Brush carefully: Keep brushing your other teeth. Around the implant, use a soft brush gently or follow the instructions we give you.
- Skip smoking and alcohol: Both slow healing and raise the risk of infection. If you smoke, this is a great time to stop.
Some swelling and soreness for a few days is normal. Call us if bleeding won’t stop, swelling gets worse after day three, or you have a fever.
While Your Implant Heals
Over the next few months, your implant fuses with your jawbone. You may wear a temporary tooth during this time. Avoid biting hard foods directly on the implant area, and keep your follow-up appointments so we can check your progress.
Long-Term Care
Brush and Floss Every Day
Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and floss daily. The gum around an implant can still get inflamed, and plaque buildup can lead to a condition called peri-implantitis, which can damage the bone that holds the implant. A water flosser or interdental brushes can help reach tricky spots.
Keep Up With Cleanings
See us for cleanings and exams every six months, or more often if we recommend it. We check the gum and bone around your implant and clean areas that are hard to reach at home.
Protect Your Implant
- Don’t chew ice, hard candy, or pens.
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a night guard.
Signs to Call Us
Call Siena Dental at (737) 766-7226 if you notice bleeding or swelling around the implant, a loose crown, pain when you bite, or a bad taste that won’t go away. If it’s urgent, we hold time for same-day emergency visits Monday through Thursday.
Implant Care at Siena Dental
Because we plan, place, and restore implants in the same Leander office, the team that put your implant in is the team that looks after it. If you’re considering implants, your consultation is free.
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