Why the First Days After Implant Surgery Matter Most

Placing a dental implant is a minor surgical procedure. A titanium post is embedded in the jawbone, and from that moment the priority is to let osseointegration proceed undisturbed. At iDent we always take a 3D scan on our PaX-i3D Smart tomograph before the procedure to plan the exact depth and angle of placement — this directly affects how quickly and reliably the implant integrates.

The First 48 Hours: Dos and Don'ts

Right after the procedure apply a cold pack (15 minutes on, 45 off) to reduce swelling. Avoid hot drinks, alcohol and smoking for at least three days — nicotine constricts blood vessels and slows healing. Do not probe the wound with your tongue and avoid vigorous rinsing on the first day.

  • Eat only soft foods: yoghurt, mashed potatoes, smooth soups.
  • Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relief exactly as directed.
  • Skip heavy exercise, saunas and steam rooms.
  • Sleep on your back or on the side opposite the implant site.

Keeping the Implant Area Clean

From the second day brush gently with a soft-bristle brush, avoiding the suture line. From day five or seven you can use a water flosser on its lowest setting. We recommend interdental brushes and implant-specific floss — it glides over the crown surface without scratching the micro-texture.

I always tell patients: an implant is not an indestructible metal tooth. It is a full part of your mouth and needs exactly the same careful attention as natural teeth. Come in once a year for a check-up with an X-ray — we will assess the bone around the post and, if needed, clean the area with a dedicated Supra Flex attachment that protects the implant surface.

— Yana Akimova, Oral Surgeon & Implantologist, iDent

What Is Normal and When to Call Us

Mild swelling and tenderness for three to five days is completely normal. Contact us immediately if pain intensifies after day four, if you notice pus, if the sutures open or if numbness persists — we will see you without an appointment.

Long-Term Care

Once osseointegration is complete (typically 3–6 months) you receive a permanent crown and full chewing function. To protect your result: visit a hygienist twice a year, avoid biting hard objects and treat bruxism — excessive force can break the implant-bone connection.

At iDent turnkey implantation starts from UAH 22,500 (Megagen, Korea), covering the implant body, abutment, crown and all follow-up visits. The initial surgical consultation is free when treatment is planned.