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Northwest Oral Surgeons

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Location

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the local urgent care facility.

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the urgent care facility.

636-978-6967

What Happens After Dental Implant Placement?

Dental implant surgery is followed by a healing phase in which the bone and soft tissue stabilize around the implant. The site can feel better before that process is complete, so follow-up and protection of the implant remain important.

Use the written instructions provided for your procedure. The general guidance below does not replace the diet, medication, hygiene, and activity directions you receive from Dr. Udy and our team.

636-978-6967
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The First Days After Implant Surgery

Follow the instructions for bleeding, swelling, medication, oral hygiene, diet, and activity. Avoid chewing directly on the surgical site or allowing a temporary appliance to press against it unless our office has told you it is safe.
A healing abutment may be visible above the gum, or the implant may be covered by tissue. Do not pull on, twist, or repeatedly check the component with your tongue or fingers.

Healing Before the Final Tooth Is Made

Bone gradually forms a stable connection around the implant. This stage is called osseointegration. The time required varies with the implant location, bone quality, grafting, health factors, and the amount of pressure placed on the site.

Keep every scheduled follow-up even if the area feels normal. Dr. Udy determines when the implant is ready for the restorative dentist to begin the next phase.
636-978-6967

Temporary Teeth and Restorative Coordination

A temporary tooth, bridge, or denture may be used during healing. The restorative dentist generally manages that appliance, but it must not place harmful pressure on the implant or graft. Call the restorative office if the appliance needs an adjustment, and let us know if it is pressing on the surgical site.
Our office generally manages surgical healing and implant readiness. The restorative dentist manages the temporary and final teeth. Make sure both offices know about any adjustment before it is made.
Dental Implants

When to Call Northwest Oral Surgeons

Call us if bleeding is difficult to control, swelling or pain worsens unexpectedly, a healing component feels loose, a temporary appliance presses on the site, or you have a medication reaction or another concern not addressed by your instructions.
Seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or another life-threatening symptom. Do not use an online form for an emergency.
636-978-6967

Caring for the Implant After Restoration

Once the final restoration is complete, clean around the implant as directed and keep routine dental appointments. Implant-supported teeth can still develop inflammation around the surrounding tissue, and mechanical components can loosen or wear.
Report changes in the bite, mobility, soreness, bleeding around the implant, or difficulty cleaning the restoration to your dental team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Recovery

Follow the diet and chewing instructions provided for your procedure. The answer depends on the location, stability, grafting, and temporary restoration.
A healing abutment may be visible in some cases. Call our office if the component feels loose or if you are unsure whether the site looks as expected.
Contact the restorative dentist and Northwest Oral Surgeons before an adjustment is made near the surgical site so the implant plan is protected.
The restorative dentist begins after Dr. Udy confirms that the implant and surrounding tissues have healed enough for the next phase.

Questions After Dental Implant Surgery?

Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 with questions about healing, medication, a temporary appliance, or your next follow-up visit.
Call: 636-978-6967