Regina Lakeview Dental Centre
Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions in Regina
What To Expect After Surgery
Dental implants are a reliable long-term solution for missing teeth — and proper aftercare is key to their success. Whether you’ve had a single implant or multiple placed, the tips below will help minimize discomfort and protect your healing site.
What To Expect After Surgery
Some swelling and bruising are normal and may take 2–3 days to peak.
You may experience soreness or mild muscle aches — this should fade within a few days.
Bleeding should subside within a few hours but may continue lightly for 24–48 hours.
Pain Management
Take pain medication as prescribed, or use ibuprofen (Advil 400 mg) or acetaminophen (Tylenol 500 mg) every four hours as needed.
Always take pain medication with food to avoid nausea.
If we prescribed stronger medication, follow directions closely and avoid alcohol.
Swelling Control
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek — 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off — starting immediately after surgery and continuing for the first 3 days.
Bleeding & Gauze
Bite gently on gauze pads to help stop bleeding.
If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh gauze pad or use a moist tea bag.
Keep your head elevated with pillows to reduce bleeding and swelling.
Antibiotics & Birth Control Note
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
If you’re using birth control and were prescribed antibiotics, use backup contraception for one full cycle — antibiotics may reduce effectiveness.
Oral Hygiene & Rinsing
Do not rinse your mouth or brush the surgical site for the first 24 hours.
Starting the next day, gently rinse twice daily with the antibacterial rinse we provided.
Use a soft toothbrush on surrounding teeth — avoid disturbing the implant site.
You may also dilute regular mouthwash 50/50 with water for additional rinsing.
What To Avoid
No smoking or tobacco — these can delay healing and increase implant failure risk.
Skip strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or aerobic exercise for at least 1 week.
Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for several days.
Diet & Fluids
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soups, smoothies, or scrambled eggs for the first 48 hours.
Drink plenty of water, and avoid hot drinks and alcohol.
Resume a balanced diet gradually — proper nutrition supports healing.
Concerns Or Complications
If you experience increasing pain, swelling, or signs of infection, contact us right away.
Call if bleeding doesn’t slow after several hours or worsens overnight.
Questions? We’re Here To Help.
Every patient heals differently, and we’re always available to guide you through the process.
Local Care You Can Trust