Avoid
No rinsing for the first 24 hours
Do not rinse your mouth at all for the first 24 hours after the implant.
Why? So the wound stays still and does not start bleeding again.
After your procedure
Aftercare instructions:Dental implant
Had your implant placed today? This page walks you through what to do, what to avoid and what is normal to feel, as Dr. Ahmed Shama explains in the video (in Arabic).
Explained byDr. Ahmed Abdelazeem ShamaIf you remember only three things
Step by step
Instructions by time
- First 24 hours
Day one: let the wound settle
DoUse the spray instead of rinsing
Use the antiseptic spray we prescribed: it keeps the wound clean in place of rinsing during the first period, when rinsing is not allowed.
Why? So the wound always stays clean.
- While it heals
Eating, drinking and daily habits
Follow these from the moment you leave the clinic, for as long as your dentist advises.
AvoidDo not chew on the implant
Chew on the other side: if the implant is on the right, eat on the left.
DoSoft, tender and cold food
Choose food that is soft, tender and cold, such as yoghurt, lukewarm soup and cold juices.
AvoidNo hot drinks at all
Avoid tea, coffee and any hot drink.
Why? They make the wound bleed.
AvoidHands (and tongue) off
Do not touch the implant site with your tongue or your finger.
AvoidNo smoking, at all
Do not smoke after the implant.
Why? Smoking contaminates the wound.
DoTake your prescribed medicines
Take the medicines your dentist prescribed on time, and keep using the spray.
- What is normal
Pain and swelling: expected, and here is what to do
Normal & expectedPain is normal and expected
It is normal to feel pain after an implant, and it can be strong. This is expected.
Normal & expectedSwelling may happen
Some swelling of the cheek or the implant area may appear. This is expected too.
DoCold compresses: 15 minutes every hour
Take your prescribed medicines and hold a cold-water compress on your cheek for 15 minutes every hour.
- After 7–10 days
Stitch removal
DoStitches come out after 7 to 10 days
Stitches are removed a week to 10 days after the implant, if they have not dissolved on their own.
These are general instructions from the doctor after the procedure. Always follow what your treating dentist tells you and the medicines they prescribed, and contact the clinic with any question.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
When can I rinse my mouth after a dental implant?
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours after the implant, so the wound stays still and does not bleed again. During this time use the antiseptic spray your dentist prescribed instead of rinsing, to keep the wound clean.
What should I eat after a dental implant?
Soft, tender and cold food, chewed on the side opposite the implant: if the implant is on the right, eat on the left. Avoid hot drinks completely, as they make the wound bleed.
Are pain and swelling normal after a dental implant?
Yes. Pain after an implant is normal and can be strong, and swelling may appear; both are expected. Take your prescribed medicines and use a cold-water compress for 15 minutes every hour.
Can I smoke after a dental implant?
No. Smoking is not allowed after the implant because it contaminates the wound.
What is the spray for after an implant?
The spray keeps the wound clean. It replaces rinsing during the first period, when rinsing is not allowed.
When are the stitches removed after a dental implant?
A week to 10 days after the implant, if they have not dissolved on their own.
Your doctor
Dr. Ahmed Abdelazeem Shama
Senior specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental implants
Department of Dentistry · Tabeebuk Polyclinic
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery, 2012
- Egyptian Fellowship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2021
Clinic hours
Saturday – Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
More instructions from the doctor
Wishing you a speedy recovery.