Before and After Dental Implant Surgery in Toronto and North York
A quick guide to help you prepare for implant surgery and heal smoothly afterward. These are general instructions—your personalized plan from Dr. Cavus always takes priority.
Before Your Implant Surgery Checklist
Medications: Continue regular meds unless told otherwise. Bring an updated list (incl. supplements).
Blood thinners: Do not stop Aspirin/Plavix/Eliquis/Xarelto/Warfarin without written advice from your physician.
Osteoporosis meds: Tell us if you use/used alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, etc.
Fasting (if IV or oral sedation): Nothing to eat/drink for 8 hours before—small sip of water only for essential meds if instructed.
Escort (sedation): A responsible adult must bring you, drive you home, and stay with you the day of surgery.
Smoking/vaping/alcohol: Avoid 24 hours before (and see the after-care section for longer).
Comfort: Wear loose clothes with short sleeves; remove nail polish and facial makeup.
Illness: If you develop fever/cough/chest symptoms, contact us before your appointment.
X-rays/records: Bring any recent films (≤12 months) or have them forwarded to our office.
Day of Surgery
Arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Bring photo ID, insurance details, and your medication list.
For IV sedation: you must have an escort present at discharge.
Expect a review of your plan and consent before we begin.
After Your Implant Surgery
First 24 Hours
Bleeding: Bite on gauze 30–60 min; replace as needed. Persistent oozing: bite on a moist tea bag for 30 min.
Protect the clot: No spitting, rinsing, or straws.
Swelling: Ice to cheek 20 min on/20 off for the first day.
Pain control: Start prescribed/approved meds before numbness wears off.
Diet: Cool, soft foods (yogurt, smoothies with spoon, scrambled eggs, soups at room temp). Hydrate well.
Activity: Rest. No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
Days 2–3
Rinsing: Begin gentle warm salt-water rinses after meals & at bedtime (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water).
Hygiene: Brush other teeth as usual; avoid the surgical site.
Swelling: May peak at 48–72 h, then improve.
Days 4–7
Hygiene at the site: Gently brush adjacent teeth; continue salt-water rinses. Use a water flosser on low setting (if advised).
Diet: Advance to soft foods you can cut with a fork; avoid hot/spicy, seeds, chips, crusts.
Activity: Light activity ok; avoid contact sports.
Weeks 2–6
Resume normal brushing/flossing as comfort allows.
Use interdental brushes/water flosser around implants per instructions.
Keep follow-ups for suture checks and healing reviews.
Special Notes
Bone graft / GBR: Do not press or pull the lip/cheek to “look.” Avoid pressure on the area and follow soft-diet guidance longer if advised.
Sinus lift:
Sneeze with mouth open, no nose blowing for 10–14 days.
Use decongestant/spray only if prescribed.
Immediate provisional (same-day crown/bridge):
Do not bite on the provisional like a natural tooth.
Stay on soft diet for 2–3 weeks; avoid front-tooth incising if in esthetic zone.
Smoking/vaping: Avoid for at least 7 days (ideally longer); these significantly increase failure risk and delay healing.
Alcohol & heat: Avoid alcohol and hot liquids first 48 hours.
When to Contact Us
Difficulty swallowing or breathing:
This is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical assistance — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
Heavy bleeding not improving after 2 hours of firm gauze pressure
Fever > 38°C, spreading swelling, or foul taste/discharge
Pain not controlled by medication
Persistent swelling after 5 days
Ready for Your Appointment?
Call (437) 808-0888 or Book Your Consultation to review your personalized plan with Dr. Cavus.