The implant needs to integrate with your jawbone over several months, typically 3–6 months. During this time, the bone grows around the implant to anchor it firmly in a process called osseointegration. You will have follow-up appointments to monitor progress before the final crown or prosthesis is placed.

If you had the procedure under local anaesthetic only, you can usually drive yourself home. However, if you received sedation, you will need someone to drive you and should not drive for 24 hours. If you feel lightheaded or unwell after the procedure, wait until you feel comfortable before getting behind the wheel.

Stick to soft foods for the first 1–2 weeks after surgery — things like soups, yoghurt, mashed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Avoid chewing directly on the implant site. You can gradually reintroduce firmer foods as comfort allows, but avoid hard or crunchy foods on the implant side until your dentist confirms it is safe to do so.

Contact us immediately if your implant feels loose or mobile. Early loosening may indicate that the implant has not integrated properly with the bone, and prompt assessment gives the best chance of managing the situation. Do not try to push or wiggle the implant yourself.

Do not wear a removable denture or prosthesis over the implant site unless your dentist specifically says it is okay. Pressure from a denture on the healing implant can interfere with osseointegration and increase the risk of implant failure. Your dentist may modify your denture to relieve pressure over the surgical area.

Do not brush the surgical area for the first 48 hours. After that, gently clean around the implant with a soft toothbrush. Use gentle warm saltwater rinses 3–4 times daily starting 24 hours after surgery, and continue any prescribed mouth rinse (usually chlorhexidine) as directed. Keep the rest of your mouth clean with normal brushing.

Yes, bruising on the face, jaw, or neck area is common after implant surgery and is nothing to worry about. It may take 7–10 days to fully resolve, often changing colour from blue to yellow as it fades. The bruising looks worse than it feels and does not indicate a problem with the implant.

Most patients return to work within 1–2 days after a single implant placement. If your job involves heavy physical labour, you may want to take 3–5 days off to allow the initial healing and swelling to subside. Avoid strenuous exercise for 3–5 days, as increased blood pressure can worsen swelling and bleeding.

Smoking restricts blood flow to the surgical site, significantly reducing implant success rates. It impairs healing, increases the risk of infection, and can prevent the bone from properly integrating with the implant. Avoid smoking for as long as possible — ideally permanently, but at minimum for the entire healing period.