Implant Aftercare: The First Step Toward a Long-Lasting Smile

Getting a dental implant is a big decision—and a great investment in your long-term oral health. But the work doesn’t end when you leave the dental chair. Taking good care of your implant during the healing phase helps prevent complications and sets you up for success. Whether this is your first implant or your third, knowing what to expect after surgery can make recovery smoother and less stressful.

Healing Well Starts at Home

Once your dental implant is placed, the healing process begins. The first few days are especially important. Swelling, minor bleeding, and tenderness are all normal. To help things go smoothly, follow the aftercare guidelines your dentist provides. Every implant case is different, but the fundamentals stay the same.

Keep It Clean—but Gentle

In the first 24 hours, don’t brush the implant site. Instead, rinse gently with warm salt water. After a day or two, you can resume brushing—just be careful around the area. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid electric toothbrushes until Dr. Wagner or Dr. Langston gives the green light.

Stick to Soft Foods

Stick with soft foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies—not steak or crunchy granola. The goal is to avoid putting pressure on the implant. Most patients follow a soft food diet for several days. Avoid straws and anything that might dislodge the clot, especially in the first 48 hours.

Don’t Skip Rest—and Definitely No Smoking

Your body needs downtime to heal. Skip workouts, long days, and smoking. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of implant failure. If you’ve been thinking about quitting, this could be the moment to commit.

Keeping Your Implant on Track at Wagner & Langston Family Dentistry

Healing doesn’t stop when you leave the chair—and neither does our care. At Wagner & Langston Family Dentistry in Jonesboro, Dr. Katy Wagner and Dr. Jacob Langston are here for the long haul. Whether you’ve got questions about soreness, what you can eat, or just want to make sure everything’s healing right, you’ve got a team ready to help.

Call us to schedule a check-in, ask a question, or plan your next step. We’ll make sure your next step feels clear and manageable.

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Categorized in: Dental Implants