Posted July 1, 2025

Modern technology ensures that most dental implants are successful, with an overall success rate around 95%. But there are times when dental implant failures happen, and it is usually related to how well the patient is following post dental implant care.

In this guide, we are taking a closer look at the factors that will impact the success of your dental implants. After your implant surgery, if you are proactive about following the instructions from our dental team, then it’s possible for your implant to last 15 – 25 years – or even for the rest of your life. But you need to be proactive about post-implant care, especially during the first few weeks and months after the surgery.

Dental Implant Care After Surgery: The First 48 Hours

From the moment your surgery is completed, you need to be careful to protect the new implant so that it can heal properly. These are the most important aftercare for tooth implant instructions that you should follow in the first few days:

Protect the Blood Clot: Avoid rinsing, brushing, or any other movements or activities that could disrupt the blood clot. Also, you shouldn’t drink through straws or spit during this time.
Medication Usage: Your surgeon will likely prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Follow the dosage recommendations and continue taking the antibiotics until the prescription is complete. You can also use pain medications as recommended by your dentist.
Diet Recommendations: Stick with soft foods during the first few days, such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, applesauce, soup, etc.
Managing Swelling: Sleep with your head elevated above your heart and apply ice for 20 minutes at a time throughout the day.
Warning Signs: Contact your surgeon right away if you notice any warning signs of infection or implant failure. Warning signs include excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop, a high fever, or severe pain that continues to worsen.

Healing Care After Implant Placement

Once the critical care healing phase is over, continued care is essential to ensure osseointegration and proper healing to prepare for the restoration that will be secured to the implant. Most patients need 3 months for the implant to heal fully and have a strong enough foundation in the jawbone.

During this post-dental implant care phase, you should use a gentle saltwater rinse 3 – 4 times a day. When brushing your teeth, only use an ultra-soft bristle brush and be careful when cleaning near the implant.

You can start to progress your dietary choices by adding in eggs and pasta at first, then progressing to tender meats and normal foods after a few weeks. During the first 2 weeks, it’s best to avoid heavy lifting. If you want to exercise, then light walking is ok.

It’s critical that you visit the surgeon for all post-implant checkups. These appointments ensure that the implant is healing properly. Also, if you are grinding your teeth, then it’s important to address this grinding as soon as possible to avoid damage to the implant placement.

Tooth Implant Aftercare: Longer-Term Maintenance for Dental Implants That Last a Lifetime

How can I make my dental implants last longer? It all comes down to your daily oral health habits and lifestyle practices. The truth is that regular care and maintenance can have an impact on the long-term success of your dental implants, helping to extend the lifespan of your restorations.

Ongoing post dental implant care recommendations include:

Daily Cleaning: Brush and floss around the implant in the same way you take care of your natural teeth. Spend a little extra time around the implant and consider using a water flosser if you have a hard time maintaining consistency with regular flossing.
Stop Smoking: Did you know that smoking decreases the lifespan of dental implants by half? If you are a smoker, then now is the time to stop so that you can protect your dental restorations.
Overall Health: Certain health complications can impact the success of dental implants. For example, if you have diabetes, then it’s essential that you are proactively managing blood sugar levels in order to protect your implant.
Regular Checkups: Visit our dental office every 6 months for your routine cleaning and checkup. These appointments allow us to see how the implant is doing and catch any potential issues in the earliest stages.
Dental Product Selection: What toothpaste is best after dental implants? Make sure that you are using low-abrasive toothpaste and choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Avoid using whitening toothpastes or products with sodium lauryl sulfate. If you want to use chewing gum, then a product with xylitol is a great choice.
Sports Mouthguards: If you participate in any contact sports or activities that could result in an impact to the mouth, then it’s a good idea to wear a custom mouthguard at all times.

It’s important to prevent gum disease and other dental complications, and your daily habits really matter. When you are consistent about daily brushing and flossing, it not only protects your implant but also reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease that affect your natural teeth.

FAQ

How can I improve my dental implant success?

Not only do good oral health habits (such as brushing and flossing) play a role in protecting your new dental implant, but also make sure that you are maintaining a healthy life overall. Avoid smoking and proactively manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Also, be consistent about visiting our office for your routine cleanings and checkups.

What precautions should you take after dental implants?

If you are having any type of medical procedure or using a new medication, then make sure to tell your healthcare provider about your implant. Always wear a custom mouthguard when participating in sports activities.

How do I maintain my dental implant?

Daily maintenance for post-dental implant care is the same as the way you take care of the rest of your teeth. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use quality dental tools to protect your smile. Talk to your dentist about check-up frequency, because it might be necessary to come to the office more often in the early stages after the implant placement.

Contact the Dental Implant Experts at myDental

What other questions do you have about dental implants and restorations? Our team is here to help with your customized treatment plan, as well as post-dental implant care and more. Contact us to learn more about our restorative dentistry services.

At myDental, we provide family-focused dental care for patients of all ages. Whether you need a check-up and cleaning or you would like to learn more about dental restorations, book an appointment at one of our convenient locations.