Opening times:
Monday to Saturday 9 am - 6 pm
Monday to Saturday 9 am - 6 pm
01 444 33 70 / 087 320 1900
info@luxdent.ie
Unit A, Block A, Malthouse House,
Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, D07 HKF6
info@luxdent.ie
Unit A, Block A, Malthouse House,
Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, D07 HKF6
What to Expect After
Dental Implant Surgery
Our prices for dental implants 
Immediate Post-Op (First Hours to Day 1)
The First Few Hours After Surgery
Once your dental implant surgery is complete, your mouth will still feel numb for several hours. This is perfectly normal — it’s just the local anaesthetic doing its job.
You may experience a gentle throbbing sensation or mild discomfort as the numbness fades. Think of it as your body’s saying, “We’re healing here!”
What to do
You may experience a gentle throbbing sensation or mild discomfort as the numbness fades. Think of it as your body’s saying, “We’re healing here!”
What to do
- Rest and keep your head slightly elevated with an extra pillow — it helps reduce swelling.
- Avoid bending over or strenuous movement for the first 24 hours.
- Stick to soft foods or cool liquids if you need to eat.
- Follow your Luxdent dentist's medication plan (usually includes mild pain relief).
Bleeding: What’s Normal and What’s Not
A small amount of oozing or pink saliva during the first day is expected — your surgical site is still fresh.
If bleeding occurs:
Swelling typically peaks around 48 hours after surgery, then gradually subsides over the next few days. Bruising may appear around the jaw or cheek — again, nothing to panic about.
To manage swelling:
If swelling worsens suddenly, or you notice severe pain, fever, or discharge — call Luxdent immediately. Better safe than sorry (and we promise, no one ever regrets checking in early).
If bleeding occurs:
- Place a clean gauze pad over the site and bite down with firm, gentle pressure for about 30 minutes.
- Avoid spitting, rinsing vigorously, or using a straw — suction can dislodge the forming clot.
- If bleeding persists beyond several hours or seems heavy, contact Luxdent Dublin for advice.
Swelling typically peaks around 48 hours after surgery, then gradually subsides over the next few days. Bruising may appear around the jaw or cheek — again, nothing to panic about.
To manage swelling:
- Apply a cold pack to the cheek near the surgical area: 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off during the first 6–8 hours.
- Keep your head elevated, even when sleeping.
- After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses if swelling lingers — this helps circulation and speeds healing.
If swelling worsens suddenly, or you notice severe pain, fever, or discharge — call Luxdent immediately. Better safe than sorry (and we promise, no one ever regrets checking in early).
First Few Days (Day 2–7)
Pain, Discomfort and Medications
By the second day, the anaesthetic has fully worn off, and mild discomfort is normal. Most Luxdent patients describe it as a dull ache or tenderness rather than sharp pain — completely manageable and a good sign that healing has begun.
Here’s what to expect and do:
Here’s what to expect and do:
- Mild to moderate pain: Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol usually does the trick.
- Prescription pain relief: If your dentist has prescribed stronger medication, follow the dosage precisely — never on an empty stomach.
- Avoid aspirin unless advised — it can thin the blood and increase bleeding.
Diet & Nutrition: What You Should Eat and Avoid
Your mouth is healing — treat it gently. The goal this week is nourishment without irritation
Stick to soft, cool, and easy foods:
Avoid:
Cleanliness is crucial — but gentleness is the golden rule.
You’ll likely skip brushing around the implant site on the first day. From Day 2 onward, resume gentle cleaning with care.
Activity and Rest: When Can I Go Back to Work or Light Activity?
Most patients feel ready to return to work or routine tasks after 4–5 days, provided their job isn’t physically demanding.
Exercise and heavy lifting can increase blood flow and swelling — best to wait a full week before hitting the gym again.
- Smooth soups (not piping hot!)
- Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta
- Yogurt, smoothies, protein shakes
- Soft fish or steamed vegetables
Avoid:
- Hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods
- Hot drinks (can disturb the clot)
- Alcohol and fizzy drinks
- Chewing directly over the implant site
Cleanliness is crucial — but gentleness is the golden rule.
You’ll likely skip brushing around the implant site on the first day. From Day 2 onward, resume gentle cleaning with care.
Activity and Rest: When Can I Go Back to Work or Light Activity?
Most patients feel ready to return to work or routine tasks after 4–5 days, provided their job isn’t physically demanding.
Exercise and heavy lifting can increase blood flow and swelling — best to wait a full week before hitting the gym again.
Week 2 to Month 1: Settling Into Healing
Healing Timeline: What Should I Notice by Week 2?
Swelling and bruising should be nearly gone, and mild tenderness around the implant site is expected. You might feel slightly tight when chewing or brushing near the area, but that’s part of healthy tissue recovery.
Typical progress by week 2:
Typical progress by week 2:
- Pain is minimal or completely gone
- Gums are closing neatly around the implant
- Eating, talking, and brushing feel much easier
- Occasional sensitivity when cleaning or touching the area
Diet Progression and Returning to Normal Eating
As your comfort level improves, your diet can slowly expand — but patience pays off here.
For the first two weeks, stick to soft and semi-solid foods. By the third or fourth week, most people can reintroduce gentle chewing on the opposite side of the implant.
For the first two weeks, stick to soft and semi-solid foods. By the third or fourth week, most people can reintroduce gentle chewing on the opposite side of the implant.
- Around Week 2:
- Soft pasta, fish, omelettes, steamed vegetables, and porridge are perfect.
- You can enjoy room-temperature drinks and warm (not hot) soups again.
- By Week 3–4:
- Gradually add firmer foods — tender meats, rice, soft bread.
- Avoid biting hard foods (crusty bread, nuts, apples) in the implant area.
- Chew slowly and evenly to avoid pressure on the healing site.
If you have multiple implants or a full arch restoration, your Luxdent dentist will give a tailored meal progression plan. - What If I Had a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift?If your implant was placed with a bone graft or sinus lift, expect an extended healing timeline — this is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
- By the end of the first month, most patients feel completely comfortable, the gum tissue has matured, and your jawbone is bonding beautifully with the implant. You’re officially over the hump — and one step closer to your permanent crown.
Long-Term Recovery (Month 1 to Crown Placement)
Osseointegration: How the Implant Fuses With Bone
After the first month, the visible healing is mostly done — but inside your jaw, the real magic begins. This is the stage called osseointegration, where your jawbone literally bonds with the titanium implant to form a stable, long-term foundation.
Here’s what happens:
Here’s what happens:
- Bone cells gradually grow and attach to the implant’s surface.
- Over the next few months, your implant becomes part of your jaw — strong, secure, and ready to hold a crown.
- Most patients experience **3–6 months** of integration before the final restoration.
When Is the Abutment and Crown Placed?
Once Luxdent’s team confirms via X-ray that the implant has integrated properly, you’re ready for the exciting next step — the abutment and crown placement.
Typical timeline:
The entire process is straightforward and pain-free, often done under local anaesthetic. Patients usually describe it as “the easy part” of the journey.
- 3–6 months post-surgery: Implant fully fused.
- A small incision exposes the top of the implant so the abutment (connector piece) can be attached.
- After a brief healing phase (usually 1–2 weeks), your permanent crown — custom-made to match your natural teeth — is fitted.
The entire process is straightforward and pain-free, often done under local anaesthetic. Patients usually describe it as “the easy part” of the journey.
Common Side-Effects & How to Handle Them
Even when everything’s healing beautifully, your mouth may send a few “Hey, I’m working on it!” signals. Here’s what’s normal, what’s not, and when to call your friendly Luxdent team for backup.
Swelling, Bruising, and Bleeding — What’s Still Okay (and What’s Not)
A little swelling, bruising, or minor bleeding is a perfectly normal part of recovery — your body is repairing tissue and improving circulation around the implant.
- What’s normal:
- Mild swelling that peaks within 48 hours and fades over the next few days.
- Small bruises near the jaw or cheek (especially after multiple implants).
- Light pink saliva or minimal bleeding up to 24 hours post-surgery.
- What’s not normal:
- Persistent or heavy bleeding after Day 2.
- Swelling that worsens after the third day or feels hot and painful.
- Large bruises with throbbing or hardness around the implant area.
If you notice any of these, call Luxdent Dublin immediately — catching issues early keeps healing smooth and stress-free. - Most patients experience 3–6 months of integration before the final restoration.
LUXDENT
Recovering after dental implant surgery takes time, care, and patience — but with the right guidance from **Luxdent Dublin**, you can expect steady healing and a lasting result. Follow your after-care instructions, maintain good oral hygiene, and give your body the time it needs to complete the healing process.
LUXDENT
Book appointment or ask your question about our services
Dental clinic in Dublin
Contact us:
Ph: 01 444 3370 / 087 320 1900
E: info@luxdent.ie
Ph: 01 444 3370 / 087 320 1900
E: info@luxdent.ie
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