Dental Implant Post-Operative Care

A titanium implant fixture has been placed into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Over the coming weeks to months, the surrounding bone heals and bonds to it, in a process called osseointegration (the bone growing tightly around the implant to hold it firm). It is important the implant stays stable and is not put under heavy pressure while this happens.

You may notice a small metal part sitting just above the gum. This is the healing cap (also called the abutment). It is not your final tooth.

• It is attached to the implant and lets the gum heal neatly around it
• It is held finger-tight so it can be removed easily at the next stage
• It can occasionally loosen or come out. That on its own does not mean the implant has failed

Keep the area clean while avoiding pressure on the implant.

• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush once it is comfortable to do so
• Follow any mouth-rinse instructions from your surgeon
• Avoid chewing hard or crunchy food directly over the site, especially early on
• Do not keep touching or testing it with your tongue or fingers
• Avoid smoking or vaping, as it slows healing and raises the risk of problems
• Attend all your review appointments

Your implant needs time to integrate with the bone before your final tooth is made. How long that takes varies with where the implant is, the quality and amount of bone, whether bone grafting was done, and your own healing. Your surgeon will let you know when it is ready to be assessed.