Care after implant treatment

In this video Dr. Dt. Kıvanç Türkoğlu divides implant aftercare into two periods: healing right after surgery, and the long term once the prosthesis is fitted.

What the video covers

• Taking the medicines given by the clinician as advised and caring for the wound in the first days.
• Avoiding smoking, not straining the area with hard food and attending check-ups.
• Long-term cleaning with a toothbrush, floss and a water flosser; a check-up with X-rays at least once a year.
• A night guard for clenching, keeping general conditions under control and telling the clinician about bone-loss medicines started later.

The first 24 hours

Slight oozing and swelling are expected. Biting on gauze for the advised time reduces bleeding. Intermittent cold packs on the cheek limit swelling. On the first day avoid hot drinks, sucking at the area and vigorous rinsing.

Painkillers, and antibiotics or mouthwash if prescribed, are used as directed. Do not stop them or change the dose on your own.

The first weeks

Soft, lukewarm food is best while the wound heals. Chew on the other side when possible. Clean the area gently with a soft brush and keep a hard brush away from the stitches.

Smoking reduces blood flow to the wound and delays healing. Not smoking during this period is best. Check-ups review the wound and stitches. Wait for your clinician's advice before heavy exercise in the first days.

When to contact the clinician

Pain or swelling that increases after the third day, fever, a bad smell or discharge, bleeding that does not stop and lasting numbness should be reported. Difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency.

Daily cleaning after the prosthesis

The implant itself cannot decay. The gum and bone around it, however, can become inflamed because of plaque. An implant therefore needs daily cleaning just like a natural tooth.

A toothbrush, interdental brushes or floss and a water flosser can be used together. Thick-ended floss helps under bridges and fixed prostheses. Your clinician will show you which tools suit you.

Regular check-ups

Check-ups examine the area around the implant, remove tartar and plaque when needed and include X-rays at intervals. Studies show that peri-implant disease is less common in people who follow a regular maintenance programme.

Your clinician sets the interval based on your mouth. The video recommends a check-up at least once a year.

Signs to watch for in the prosthesis

If you notice movement, a clicking sound when chewing, a cracked crown or a change in how your teeth meet, do not wait for the next check-up. Problems such as a loose screw are often simple to fix when found early. Left too long, they can lead to bigger problems such as a broken part.

Clenching and general health

Night-time clenching or grinding overloads implants and prosthetic parts. A night guard may be advised.

Keeping conditions such as diabetes under control also protects the tissues around implants. If a bone-loss medicine is to be started while you have implants, an oral check-up beforehand is advised. Related topics are in the who can have implants video and the dental implant surgery section.

Frequently asked

When can I eat normally after an implant?

Soft food is advised for the first days. Your clinician will tell you when to return to a normal diet, based on healing and the prosthesis.

Do I need a water flosser?

It is not essential, but it can make cleaning under bridges and fixed prostheses easier. It does not replace brushing and interdental cleaning.

My gum bleeds around the implant when I brush. Does it matter?

Yes. Bleeding can be an early sign of inflammation. Have it checked without waiting for your next appointment.

Related section and videos

• Section on the expertise page: Dental implant surgery
• What is a dental implant and what are the stages of treatment?
• Who are dental implants suitable for?
• How are dental implant types classified?
• How is an implant chosen?

This information is for general guidance and does not replace an examination. Rapidly spreading facial swelling or difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency. Go to a hospital emergency department.