At Moltons Dental, we consider aftercare to be just as important as the procedure, and we support our patients closely throughout their healing journey following implant surgery.
Below are guidelines to help you care for your mouth, both in the short term and long term. If you are at all unsure about these, please call us to discuss them with your dentist in more detail. We will also provide you with clear and jargon-free aftercare instructions to take home, tailored to your specific procedure and recovery timeline.
Click the image (below) to download our Implant Aftercare Guide.
Click the image (below) to download our Implant Information Guide.
Swelling and bruising
Swelling and bruising are normal following surgery. In the vast majority of cases, swelling can be reduced with ice packs (or bags of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel. Hold against your cheek area for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time with 20/20-minute breaks in between.
Eating and drinking
Please wait until the anaesthetic has worn off to have anything other than cold drinks (refrain from eating any foods, solid or liquidised). Avoid hot food and drink for 24 hours after the surgery, and try not to dislodge food with your tongue or fingers. Try to keep food away from the surgical area for as long as possible. Rinse your mouth gently after eating to keep the area as clean as possible.
Engage only in light exercise for the first 48 hours after the surgery (walking only). Avoid running to the gym.
Some swelling and bruising are normal after treatment and typically peak at 2–3 days. Some mild soreness is normal and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. If you are experiencing worsening pain after 2-3 days, please contact us so we can investigate this further at the practice.
You will have been given stitches, which generally stay in for 2-3 weeks. If they become a significant hindrance before this time, your dentist may be able to remove them prematurely (if clinically appropriate).
Minor bleeding is normal after the surgery. If you experience persistent bleeding, apply pressure to the area by biting down on a clean paper towel or handkerchief for 60 minutes. Apply consistent pressure (do not check or change the gauze). If the bleeding persists, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further advice.
If you experience bleeding (or other problems) outside of our opening hours, please get in touch with A&E or 111.
Please refrain from smoking, using tobacco products, and vaping. These can significantly compromise the healing process and may result in implant failure.
If we have provided you with a temporary set of dentures, please try to wear them as little as you can in the first week. This is to reduce trauma at the surgical site in the mouth.
Try not to bite down on hard foods (such as nuts) with your fixed temporaries. If surgery has been carried out only on one side of the mouth, try to eat on the other side. Cut harder pieces of food into smaller and more manageable chunks. It is essential that you refrain from placing pressure on your temporary bridges or crown through vigorous chewing, as this can compromise them.
Good hygiene is essential for optimal healing after implant surgery (and, indeed, any oral surgery). Please use the mouthwash provided by your dentist for a week. We will provide instructions on how to use this.
You can clean your teeth as usual on the same day as your surgery and then continue with a toothbrush, making an effort to avoid the surgical site for the first two days. Listen to your body; if the site is still tender, clean it carefully.
Press here to download the aftercare PDF file.
We understand that dental care can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together this FAQ section to address the most common questions we receive. Whether you're a new patient or a long-time visitor, we want you to feel confident and well-informed about your dental care. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our friendly team is always here to assist you.
Book an Appointment
In the event of a dental emergency, please contact us immediately. If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or an injury to your teeth or gums, please call us during office hours, and we will do our best to accommodate you for an urgent appointment.
At Moltons Dental, we recommend having a dental check-up every six months. Regular visits help us detect any potential issues early, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns, before they become more serious. However, depending on your individual needs—such as a history of dental problems, gum disease, or ongoing treatments—we may suggest more frequent visits.
Your dentist will work with you to create a personalised check-up schedule that best supports your long-term oral health.
