The implant placement is now complete. The first step toward full restoration of the dental arch has been taken. The following stages no longer depend solely on the dentist, yet they are no less important. How carefully the patient follows the postoperative recommendations provided by the implantologist directly affects the speed of osteointegration and overall rehabilitation.
Proper oral care becomes the key factor, and many questions arise regarding what is allowed after dental implant placement and what should be avoided. The first step toward a healthy smile is a consultation regarding implantation. All subsequent stages largely depend on adherence to the recommendations. Below, each stage is described in detail.
Postoperative period: 48–72 hours
This is the time when maximum attention is required and the surgeon’s instructions must be followed precisely.
Goal: reduce swelling, stop bleeding, and prevent infection of the wound.
Recommendations for the first 1–3 days are the most extensive and vary by stage:
- during the first 40 minutes after surgery, keep the tampon in place; do not spit or touch the wound;
- apply cold as frequently as possible during the first 24 hours — hold ice wrapped in a cloth over the implant area for 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute break;
- limit all physical activity and postpone visits to saunas and steam rooms;
- avoid hot beverages such as coffee, soups, and tea;
- consume soft, puréed, or liquid foods that do not traumatize the wound and do not require chewing;
- avoid alcohol and nicotine.
During the first 24 hours, the oral cavity should not be rinsed; instead, a 30–60 second antiseptic oral bath is recommended.
Can teeth be brushed after implantation? Yes, but only with a soft toothbrush and avoiding the surgical area.
How should one sleep after dental implant placement? During the first days, sleeping on the back with the head elevated on a high pillow is recommended to facilitate reduction of swelling.
First phase of recovery: up to 14 days
Goal: maintain oral sterility for wound healing and formation of gingival tissue.
As a rule, after implantation the surgeon prescribes antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications. Do not neglect medication intake, as this helps prevent infectious complications, improves overall condition, and accelerates reduction of swelling. Continue antiseptic oral baths up to three times a day until the sutures are removed.
On days 2–3, teeth may be brushed on both jaws, still avoiding the wound area. Depending on the condition, the implantologist may prescribe a wound-healing ointment. This medication accelerates tissue regeneration and implant osteointegration. Sutures are usually removed between days 8 and 14; however, despite visible healing, the integration of the titanium implant is only beginning.
Stage up to six months: osteointegration
Goal: promote implant integration and fusion with the bone.
After complete wound healing in standard two-stage implantation, the implant site is covered with a special healing cap. Any load on this area of the gum should be limited. If one-stage implantation was performed, slight chewing load is allowed but must be as gentle as possible. Chewing hard or tough foods (nuts, crackers, apples) is strictly prohibited.
Intermediate follow-up visits to the clinic are mandatory to monitor the condition of the implant. This is especially important for patients wearing removable dentures or gingival formers — these structures should be periodically adjusted to prevent pressure on the surgical site. X-ray examinations prescribed by the dentist allow assessment of osteointegration and adjustment of care.
Long-term perspective
Goal: extend the lifespan of the implant and maintain oral health.
Since a crown is placed in the position of the missing tooth, lifelong care differs slightly from routine oral hygiene. In addition to tooth brushing, the use of an oral irrigator, dental floss, interdental brushes, and a single-tuft toothbrush is recommended. Professional cleaning at least every 3–4 months helps remove plaque in a timely manner, while regular orthopantomograms (once a year) allow monitoring of bone levels and implant condition.
