Dental implants are a long-term investment in your smile, but the work doesn’t end once you leave the chair. At Melbourne Dental Implant and Sleep Centre, we believe aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. Proper healing and maintenance can make the difference between a good outcome and a great one.
Whether you’ve just had your implant surgery or you’re getting ready for it, here’s what you need to know to support a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.
1. Understand the Healing Process
Dental implants heal through a process called osseointegration—where the titanium post fuses with your jawbone. This usually takes 3–6 months and forms the foundation for your new tooth.
Healing times can vary based on your health, age, whether you’ve had a bone graft, and habits like smoking. Our team will give you tailored guidance, but it’s important to follow the basics to give your body the best chance to heal well.
2. Follow Immediate Post-Surgery Instructions
The first 48 hours after surgery are the most delicate. You may have some swelling, bleeding, or discomfort—but these are all normal.
To manage bleeding, bite down gently on a gauze pad for 20–30 minutes. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw, and keep your head elevated.
For swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Pain relief medication and antibiotics (if prescribed) should be taken as directed.
3. Stick to Soft Foods
In the first few days, stick to cool, soft foods like yoghurt, smoothies (no straws), mashed potatoes, and soups.
Over the next week, you can move onto foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, and soft-cooked vegetables. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods that can irritate the area or dislodge clots. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
4. Keep the Area Clean (Gently!)
For the first 24 hours, don’t rinse or brush the surgical site. After that, you can:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day
- Use any medicated mouthwash we’ve provided as instructed
- Brush your other teeth normally, but avoid the implant site
As you heal, we’ll guide you on when to resume brushing and flossing around the implant and may recommend special tools like an implant floss or a water flosser.
5. Don’t Skip Your Check-Ups
Once your implant has healed and your crown or denture is placed, you’ll still need regular check-ups to monitor your gum health and bite alignment.
We recommend professional cleanings every 3–6 months and x-rays as needed to keep an eye on the bone around the implant. Our team is trained in implant maintenance to help prevent issues like peri-implantitis (an infection similar to gum disease).
6. Be Mindful of Lifestyle Habits
Certain habits can interfere with healing or long-term success:
- Avoid smoking—especially in the healing phase, as it slows recovery and increases risk of failure
- Limit alcohol, which can also impact healing
- If you clench or grind your teeth, talk to us about a custom night guard to protect your implant
7. Know What to Look Out For
Keep an eye out for anything unusual. Get in touch if you notice:
- Persistent bleeding or pain after the first few days
- Swelling that’s getting worse
- Loose feeling around the implant
- Bad taste or smell from the area
- Difficulty chewing or biting
The sooner we catch any potential issues, the easier they are to fix.
Common Questions About Implant Aftercare
When can I return to normal activities? Most patients can resume light activity within 24–48 hours, but avoid strenuous exercise for 3–5 days.
How long do I need to stick to soft foods? Plan for about 1–2 weeks of soft foods. We’ll let you know when it’s safe to go back to your regular diet.
How long do dental implants last? With proper care, implants can last decades—often for life. Most studies show a 95%+ success rate over 10 years.
Can implants get infected? Yes—but infections and side effects are preventable with good care. Keeping the area clean and attending check-ups is key.
Do I need special cleaning tools? Yes—floss made for implants, small brushes, or water flossers can help keep the area clean. We’ll show you how.
Your Implant, Your Future Smile, Take Care of It
Taking care of your implant isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Our team is here to guide you through every stage of recovery so you can enjoy your new smile for years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns during your healing, call us on 1800 IMPLANT or book online. so we can help keep your implants (and the rest of your mouth) in top shape.