Everything You Need to Know About the Dental Implant Recovery Process

By Wayside Dental Practice, Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Getting dental implants is a big decision, something we’re all too aware of here at Wayside. We know from successfully placing thousands of implants, a concern for patients is the recovery and immediate post-operative stage once your new implant or implants have been placed. We’d like to cover this and further questions you may have on this part of the implant procedure, in this month’s blog.

The first thing to remember though is dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits and we see how people’s lives are transformed by implants, every day.

At Wayside Dental Practice in Harpenden, we’re proud to offer advanced dental implant treatments, including cutting-edge X-Guide 3D Navigation technology and dental lasers to ensure the most accurate placement and faster recovery times. The x-guided navigation means we don’t have to make a big incision, and the incision we make is with a laser which is highly precise and minimally invasive. After surgery, we use the diode laser to initiate healing- this is called photobiomodulation and utilises the power of the near infrared light spectrum. Because of this, by most of our implant patients experience very little post operative discomfort.

Whether you’re having a single implant or multiple dental implants placed, understanding the recovery process is key to achieving the best results.

What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

Recovery from a dental implant procedure depends on the size of the procedure and whether grafting was required. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial 24 Hours: Slight Swelling, possible minor bleeding, and discomfort are normal. Apply ice packs and take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as advised by your Wayside dental team.
• Day of Surgery: Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid chewing near the implant site. You should begin to feel more comfortable by the next day. Avoid extremes of temperature with food and drink.
• Day after Surgery: You should have little or no pain. If no stitches were required (which is usual), you can eat normally but avoid the implant site. If stitches were required, avoid that side of the mouth for the next 7 days.
• 1-2 Weeks: You can eat normally but avoid biting on anything hard on the implant site. If stitches were required, they will dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow-up appointment.
• 3-6 Months: This is the osseointegration period, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. During this time, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential and you should brush around the implant site as directed by your dentist.

Why Choose X-Guide 3D Navigation?

At Wayside Dental, we use the X-Guide 3D Navigation system, a state-of-the-art technology that allows for incredibly precise implant placement.
This fits in beautifully with our lasers, which are the best tools for surgery and really help with implant surgery. This minimally invasive approach leads to:

• Smaller incisions
• Minimal to no surgical trauma
• Almost no swelling and discomfort usually only on the first day
• Shorter healing time
• Fewer post-operative complications

Patients undergoing X-Guide-assisted procedures nearly always report faster recovery and a smoother overall experience, with little to no pain or swelling after the first day.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Implant Recovery

1. How long does it take to recover from a dental implant at Wayside?
   Most people recover within 1-2 days, though full healing (osseointegration) will take 3–6 months.
2. What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
   On the day of surgery, have only soft foods and avoid extremes of temperature.
3. Can I brush my teeth after implant surgery?
   Yes but don’t use toothpaste for the first day so you don’t need to spit out. After that brush normally unless you have had stitches or grafting.
4. Is swelling normal after implants?
   Sometimes, if you have had extensive surgery, or an extraction at the same time. Lasers reduce swelling and pain markedly.
5. When can I return to work or normal activities?
   Our receptionist had an implant last week and went back onto reception immediately following the procedure. We recommend you take it easy the first day particularly if you have had multiple implants or teeth removed. Avoid vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours after surgery.
6. How can I reduce pain after the surgery?
   Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief, apply cold compresses, and follow all post-op instructions. We expect little to no pain from the following day unless you have had multiple implants or grafting.
7. Are antibiotics necessary after implant surgery?
   We may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, especially if multiple implants are placed.
8. What are signs of implant failure I should watch for?
   Persistent pain, swelling, infection, or the implant feeling loose should be reported to us immediately.

At Wayside Dental, your comfort and long-term success are our priorities. Our expert team is here to guide you through every stage of your implant journey. To find out more or to book a consultation, contact us today.