Caring for Your First Dental Implant

Congratulations — you just got a dental implant! Here is how to help it heal perfectly and last for decades.

First 48 hours: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling, eat soft and cool foods, and avoid strenuous exercise. Rinse gently with salt water, but avoid brushing the surgical site directly for the first day.

First two weeks: Continue gentle brushing around the area with a soft toothbrush. Avoid smoking and alcohol — both slow healing dramatically.

Long term: Brush and floss around the implant exactly like a natural tooth. Consider an interdental brush for hard-to-reach areas. And don't skip your six-month check-ups — we will monitor the implant and surrounding bone with low-dose X-rays.

With proper care, most implants last 25+ years. Many patients are still happy with their original implants after 30 years.