Before and after implant surgery.
Before surgery at MCDI, you receive written instructions for your case, including any medication and sedation protocols. After surgery, you go home with a printed recovery guide, and our phone line is answered 24/7. This page explains what those instructions cover so you know what to expect; if anything here differs from what Dr. Patel gave you, follow your written instructions.
Preparing for surgery.
Your pre-operative instructions are written for your case and given to you before your surgery date. They cover which medications to take or pause, and your sedation plan if you have one.
Tell us about every medication and supplement you take, especially blood thinners. Don’t stop a prescribed medication on your own; when a medical condition could affect your care, we consult with your physician before treatment.
If you’ll take an anti-anxiety medication, or IV sedation or general anesthesia has been arranged, plan for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you. IV sedation and general anesthesia are provided in our office by an independent physician or dental anesthesiologist, who gives you their own instructions, including when to stop eating and drinking. Follow those exactly.
The first three days.
Some soreness, swelling, and slight oozing are normal. Rest with your head raised, and ice the outside of your face, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first 72 hours. Swelling usually peaks on day 2 or 3, then improves.
For the first 72 hours, don’t use a straw, don’t spit, and don’t rinse unless we’ve told you to. Suction and rinsing can dislodge the blood clot that protects the area. If bleeding is heavier, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a damp black tea bag for 30 minutes, and call us if it continues.
Managing discomfort.
You leave with a written medication plan. Take the first dose before the numbness wears off, then stay on the schedule rather than waiting until it hurts. Staying ahead of discomfort works far better than catching up. Pain should trend downward after day 3; if it increases instead, call us.
What to eat while you heal.
Start with cool liquids and soft, creamy foods such as yogurt, blended soups, mashed potatoes, and applesauce, then move to soft, protein-rich foods as you’re comfortable. A simple test while you heal: if you can cut or mash a food with a plastic fork without the fork breaking, it’s safe to eat. Don’t chew on an implant site until Dr. Patel clears it, and avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods near the area.
Smoking, activity, and keeping it clean.
Don’t smoke or vape for at least 2 weeks. Smoking compromises the healing of any dental treatment and raises the risk that an implant or graft won’t heal; we strongly recommend stopping for good, and we’re glad to help. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours.
After the first 72 hours, unless we’ve told you otherwise, gentle warm salt-water rinses help keep the area clean. Brush your other teeth gently, and wait for Dr. Patel’s go-ahead before brushing the surgical area directly or using a water flosser near it.
If you had a bone graft or sinus lift.
After a bone graft, a few sand-like granules in your mouth for the first few days are normal. Don’t press on the area or pull your lip back to look at it.
After a sinus lift, don’t blow your nose for 2 weeks, sneeze with your mouth open, and avoid anything that builds pressure, including flying or scuba diving until Dr. Patel clears you.
Full-arch treatment and immediate dentures.
If you had full-arch treatment, your healing teeth are attached to your implants; don’t try to remove them. Your diet opens up in stages over the following weeks, and you stay on soft foods until your final teeth are delivered. You receive a full recovery guide covering each stage.
If you received an immediate denture, leave it in for the first 72 hours. It acts as a bandage, and removing it early can let the gums swell. At your first check we remove it, check your healing, and show you how to care for it.
When to call us.
Call (630) 766-0115 for bleeding that doesn’t slow with 30 minutes of firm pressure, pain or swelling that gets worse after day 3, fever above 101°F, pus or a foul taste that doesn’t go away, numbness that lasts well beyond the day of surgery, a reaction to a medication, or healing teeth that feel loose. After hours, tell our automated receptionist it’s an emergency and your call is forwarded to Dr. Patel.
Trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Questions
How do I prepare for implant surgery at MCDI?
You receive written pre-operative instructions for your case, covering medications and any sedation plan. If you’ll have sedation or anesthesia, plan for an adult to drive you home and stay with you.
Do I need to stop eating before surgery?
Only if your instructions say so. If IV sedation or general anesthesia has been arranged, the anesthesia provider gives you their own eating and drinking instructions; follow those exactly.
What should I avoid after implant surgery?
For the first 72 hours, don’t use straws, spit, or rinse unless told to. Don’t smoke or vape for at least 2 weeks, and avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours.
When does swelling peak after implant surgery?
Usually on day 2 or 3, then it improves.
Who do I call after hours?
Call (630) 766-0115. The line is answered 24/7; say it’s an emergency and your call is forwarded to Dr. Patel.
Questions about your surgery? Call us any time. (630) 766-0115.