Post-Op Instructions for Dental Implants in Cincinnati, OH

Healing after dental implant placement is an important part of long-term success. At Queen City Oral Surgery, our oral surgeon and team want you to know that mild bleeding, swelling and soreness are common after surgery. Careful home care helps protect the area, support healing and lower the risk of complications. Smoking, poor oral hygiene and too much pressure on the implant can interfere with recovery and affect the final result.

What to Expect After Surgery

A small amount of bleeding or blood-tinged saliva may continue for the first 24 to 48 hours. If dissolvable sutures were placed, they may begin to dissolve within several days. If non-dissolvable sutures were used, you may need to return to our office for removal. Swelling often becomes more noticeable during the first 48 to 72 hours before it gradually improves. Some bruising, jaw stiffness or mild discomfort can also happen during the early healing period.

Caring for the Surgical Area

Please follow these instructions to support healing:

• Do not smoke for one week.
• Remove gauze when you get home unless you were told otherwise.
• If bleeding continues, place clean gauze directly over the implant site and bite with firm pressure for 20 minutes.
• Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water, diluted mouthwash or plain water several times a day.
• Do not swish forcefully because this can disturb healing.
• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours.
• Keep your head elevated with extra pillows or rest in a reclined position.
• Do not chew on the implant side until our oral surgeon says it is safe.

Eating, Hygiene and Medications

Choose soft, bland foods that are cool or room temperature for the first day. Avoid hot, spicy, hard or crunchy foods at first, and do not drink through a straw for 48 hours. Continue brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth. After several days, you may be instructed to begin gently brushing around the implant with a soft toothbrush. If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it exactly as directed until it is gone. Pain medicine may affect alertness, so do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions while taking it. Avoid alcohol during recovery.

When to Call the Office

Please contact Dr. V. Russell Boudreau Jr., Dr. Scott L. Thatcher, or Dr. Jaspreet Singh if you have unusual pain, swelling or bleeding, if swelling gets worse after the first few days, or if you notice fever, drainage, numbness, tingling or sinus-related discomfort after surgery. Ongoing home care and regular dental visits are important for keeping implants clean and stable over time. Contact us with any questions or concerns about your recovery.