The post-operative period following implant surgery is a phase known as osseointegration, during which the implant forms a biological bond with the jawbone and becomes integrated. The success of this process depends not only on your dentist’s expertise but also on your home care.
Bleeding control and initial intervention
The first 24 hours after implant surgery are crucial for the body to initiate the healing process and form a healthy blood clot. Bleeding control and the initial interventions to be performed are as follows:
Distinguishing between normal bleeding and excessive bleeding
Some bleeding is to be expected after the operation and is considered normal. Your saliva may appear ‘pink’, or there may be slight bleeding for a few days after the operation. However, if your mouth rapidly fills with blood, this is considered ‘excessive bleeding’ and requires active intervention. If an implant was placed in the upper jaw, slight bleeding from the nose is also normal and usually resolves on its own within a short time.
Putting on gauze and putting the right amount of pressure
Putting direct pressure on the surgical site is the best way to stop the bleeding.
How long:
Put the gauze pad over the surgical site and bite down hard and steadily for 30 to 45 minutes. Sometimes, this time frame may need to be lengthened by up to an hour.
Getting wet:
Before you put the gauze pad on, you need to lightly wet it with clean water. A dry pad could stick to the clot, and when it is taken off, it could break up the clot and start the bleeding again.
Replacement:
If the gauze pad is soaked with blood or if bleeding continues after 30–45 minutes, take off the old pad and put on a new one. Keep applying pressure.
“Tea bag” method (for bleeding that won’t stop)
- If you can’t stop the bleeding after trying with gauze several times, use a tea bag, which is a traditional but scientifically proven method.
- Put a wet tea bag directly on the surgical site and bite down for 15 to 30 minutes to apply pressure.
- The tannic acid in the tea helps blood vessels constrict and clot, which stops the bleeding.
Things you should never do to protect the clot
When the bleeding stops, it means a ‘blood clot’ (the body’s natural bandage) has formed there. Displacing this clot will restart the bleeding. To protect the clot:
Never spit: Spitting creates negative pressure in the mouth, dislodging the clot. Instead of spitting, swallow your saliva or gently wipe away any fluid leaking from the corner of your mouth with a tissue.
Do not use a straw: Drinking through a straw also creates a vacuum effect that dislodges the clot.
Keep your tongue and fingers away: Do not poke the surgical area with your tongue or touch the stitches.
Avoid smoking: Smoking dramatically slows down healing and causes the clot to break down.
Help with things
- Don’t do any hard exercise on the day of the surgery. Physical activity can raise blood pressure, which can cause throbbing in the area and start bleeding again.
- Putting two or three pillows under your head while you sleep lowers pressure and leakage in the area.
- If you start to bleed, holding cold water in your mouth for a while (without swishing) may help stop the bleeding by tightening the blood vessels.
- Call your doctor right away if you have heavy bleeding that lasts longer than 4–5 hours or if your mouth keeps filling with blood quickly.
Taking care of bruises and swelling
It is completely normal for the body to swell and bruise after dental implant surgery. This is part of the healing process. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person, but with the right care, you can make this process much easier. Here is the information you need to deal with swelling and bruising:
Timeline
The swelling usually doesn’t start to show up right after the surgery, but the next day.
Peak: The swelling is at its worst 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, or sometimes on the third day.
How to get better: Symptoms usually start to get better after 3 to 4 days and may take 7 to 10 days to go away completely.
Bruising: It’s normal to have bruises on your face as well. They usually reach their peak on the 3rd or 4th day, when the swelling is at its worst, and then they slowly go away. People with high blood pressure or who take blood thinners may notice it more.
Cold compress (First 24-48 hours)
The most effective way to minimise swelling and bruising is to start applying cold immediately after the operation.
Application method:
Wrap an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) in a towel or thin cloth and apply it to the outside of your cheek; placing ice directly on your skin may cause irritation.
Cycle:
Although sources may recommend different cycles, the most common ones are
- 15-20 minutes of application, 10 minutes of rest.
- 15 minutes of application, 15 minutes of rest.
- 30 minutes of application, 30 minutes of rest.
Duration:
Repeat this application as frequently as possible until you fall asleep and for the first 36-48 hours after the operation.
Use of moist heat starting on the third day
Ice won’t work anymore after 72 hours have passed since the surgery. At this point, moist warm compresses should be put on to help the swelling go down faster. Putting something warm on the area increases blood flow, which speeds up the healing of tissue.
How do you sleep?
The pressure on your face changes depending on how you lie down. Put an extra 2 to 3 pillows under your head for the first two to three nights so that it is above heart level and at an angle of about 30 degrees. This method stops fluid from building up through gravity, which makes swelling go down a lot.
Exercise and medication help
Don’t do any heavy lifting, running, or hard exercise for the first 3 to 7 days. Physical activity can raise blood pressure, which can make pain worse, cause throbbing, and make swelling worse.
Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs that your doctor prescribes can help with both pain and swelling (oedema).
When should you be worried?
You should call your dentist if you have any of the following while your gums are swelling:
- If the swelling gets worse instead of better after three to four days.
- If the swelling is accompanied by severe and persistent pain.
- If your temperature goes above 38.5 degrees Celsius (101.5°F).
Oral hygiene
- On the first day, don’t rinse your mouth, spit, or use a straw. These things will break up the protective clot.
- Rinse with saltwater: Starting 24 hours after the surgery, rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water that has half a teaspoon of salt in it at least 4–6 times a day, especially after meals.
- Brushing: Brush your other teeth like you normally would, but don’t brush or floss the area where the implant is for the first week. For a month, don’t use water flossers (Waterpik) in this area.
- Mouthwashes that are special: If your dentist has told you to use a mouthwash with chlorhexidine in it, do so twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Nutrition and hydration
- Do not eat or drink anything until the anaesthetic has completely worn off (to avoid biting your tongue or cheek).
- Drink plenty of water; hydration is essential for the body to repair itself. However, avoid hot drinks (tea, coffee) for the first 24 hours; consume only lukewarm or cold liquids.
- Avoid nuts, corn, stone fruits, hard-shelled foods, and spicy foods. These foods can get stuck around the implant and cause infection.
- If possible, try not to chew on the side of the implant during the healing process (in some cases up to 4 months).
Medications and lifestyle
- Antibiotics: To prevent infection, take them on time until the entire course is completed. You may take them with meals to prevent stomach upset.
- Painkillers: Taking the first dose before the anaesthesia wears off is more effective for managing the pain threshold.
- Smoking and alcohol: Smoking dramatically slows healing by constricting blood vessels and increases the risk of implant failure by 6 times. It is important not to smoke for at least 2 weeks. Alcohol should also be avoided for the first few days, as it can damage healing tissue.
- Physical activity: Avoid strenuous exercise, running, or heavy lifting for the first 3-7 days; physical exertion can increase bleeding and throbbing.
- If a sinus lift was performed: Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks, do not fly, and do not swim. Sneeze with your mouth open.
F.A.Q.
What vitamins and supplements help you heal faster?
Before taking any supplements, talk to your doctor, especially if you are taking blood thinners.
- Vitamin C: Important for making collagen (500–1,000 mg per day)
- Vitamin D: Needed for calcium absorption
- Zinc: Speeds up cell renewal
- Calcium and Magnesium: Important for bone health.
How long do I need to take painkillers?
Painkillers that you can get with a prescription: For the first two to three days, it is usually best to use it every day.
Days 4–5: You only need to take them when you need them.
After a week, most patients don’t need painkillers.
When can I go back to work?
You can go back to work in 1 to 2 days.
Physical work: It’s best to take at least three to five days off.
Is it normal to have “phantom tooth pain”?
I feel pain where my tooth used to be.
Yes, this is called “phantom tooth pain”, and it’s normal. It is part of how the nervous system adapts, and it usually goes away in a few weeks.
Conclusion
A rapid recovery after dental implants in Turkey requires proper care and adherence to professional advice. By following these guidelines, you can minimise discomfort and ensure a faster recovery process. Each individual’s recovery process is unique, so you can receive personalised advice for your implant treatment by contacting Beyazada Dental Clinic in Antalya.