Post-Operative Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery with Bone Grafting

Proper care after dental implant placement with bone grafting is essential for reducing swelling, preventing infection, and promoting optimal healing. Please follow the instructions below carefully. Take all prescribed medications as directed and avoid any activities or foods that may disturb the surgical site. If you experience unusual symptoms such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or significant swelling, contact your dentist immediately.

 

Immediate Post-Operative Care

  • Bleeding:
    Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 1–2 hours. If bleeding continues, replace with a new gauze and bite for another hour.
    Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or touching the area with your tongue.
  • Swelling:
    Apply a cold compress to the cheek on the operated side for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 24–48 hours.
  • Medications:
    Take all prescribed medications as directed, especially antibiotics and pain relievers. Do not stop medications early unless instructed by your dentist.
  • Oral Hygiene:
    After the first 24 hours, you may brush other teeth normally.
    Do not brush directly on the surgical site.
    Use the prescribed mouth rinse for 1–2 weeks as instructed.
  • Suture Removal:
    Attend your follow-up appointment for suture removal within 7–14 days after surgery.

 

Diet and Activities: What to Do and What to Avoid

  • Recommended Diet:
    Choose soft, non-hot foods such as porridge, soup, smoothies, yogurt, and mashed foods.
  • Foods to Avoid:
    Avoid hard, chewy, sticky, spicy, very hot, or very cold foods.
    Avoid foods that require strong chewing.
  • Oral Hygiene:
    Rinse with warm saltwater or the prescribed mouthwash after meals.
    Brush gently with a small toothbrush, avoiding direct contact with the surgical area.
  • Swelling & Bleeding Control:
    – Apply cold compress for the first 3 days
    – Switch to warm compress on days 4–5
    – Avoid sucking through straws, spitting forcefully, or using your tongue to touch the surgical site
  • Behavior to Avoid:
    – Smoking
    – Alcohol consumption
    – Heavy exercise or strenuous activities
    – Staying up late or insufficient rest
  • Long-Term Care:
    Keep all follow-up appointments and maintain excellent oral hygiene.

 

Recommended Eating Schedule

Days 0–7:
Soft foods only (porridge, soup, mashed vegetables, soft eggs, smoothies not too cold)

Week 2–4:
Gradually introduce more variety, but cut food into small pieces and chew on the opposite side.

Month 2–3 and onward:
You may start chewing gently near the implant area.
Avoid biting hard foods directly such as nuts, ice, hard candy.

Common Post-Operative Symptoms

  • Mild swelling, bruising, or slight bleeding for 2–3 days is normal.
    • If you experience persistent bleeding, increasing pain or swelling, foul odor, or pus discharge, please contact your dentist immediately.