Dental Implant After Care

Aftercare For Your New Dental Implants in Horbury, Wakefield

At Horbury Dental Care, we know that having a dental implant placed is a big step towards restoring your smile, comfort, and confidence. As a family-run practice proudly serving our community for over 80 years, across Horbury, Wakefield, Ossett, and surrounding West Yorkshire areas, we’re here to support you every step of the way — not just during your treatment, but throughout your healing journey.

Below, we’ve outlined some simple but important steps to help you recover smoothly and comfortably after your implant procedure.

What to Expect After Surgery

• Mild swelling and discomfort are normal in the first few days. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, or any medication prescribed by your dentist.
• Slight bleeding and minor oozing of blood may continue and may discolour your saliva in the first 24 hours after leaving the practice. However, if bleeding continues and clots are evident, identify the area and apply gentle continuous pressure to it with a gauze pad soaked in lukewarm water for 15 minutes. This may be repeated 3 to 4 times. If bleeding continues after this, please contact your surgeon on the telephone number provided.
• Pain there is always going to be an element of pain involved in any surgical procedure. The amount of pain you experience will be proportionate to the complexity of the implant surgery you have just had.
• Sleeping with an extra pillow is advised for 2 days post-surgery to help reduce any swelling.
• Antibiotics may have been prescribed, please only take as directed and finish the whole course. If you appear to be having a reaction to medication, please contact the surgery or your surgeon on the number provided.

Caring for Your Implant Site

• Keep the area clean: The day after surgery (no less than 24 hours) rinse gently with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and aid healing. Avoid vigorous swishing. Also rinse with Corsodyl mouthwash 3 times a day (after cleaning)
• Brushing: Continue brushing your other teeth as normal but be gentle around the implant site for the first few days. It is very important that your oral hygiene and home care is maintained to the highest standards and that all hygiene appointments are attended.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: These can delay healing and affect implant success. Avoid alcohol for 7 days, as this can affect the healing of the tissues. Avoid smoking for 2 weeks, as this will slow down the healing process. Smokers are advised to take 500mg of Vitamin C for at least 4 weeks post operatively.
• Denture wearers should discuss with their surgeon when they may resume wearing their dentures. Leaving the denture out as much as possible (essential at night) will help with the healing of the soft tissue.

Eating and Drinking

• Stick to soft foods for the first 10 days during the healing phase.  (soups, yoghurts, pasta, mashed vegetables).
• Avoid very hot drinks or foods until the numbness wears off and your mouth feels comfortable.
• Avoid exploring the area with your tongue or eating hard or crusty foods.
• Gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows.

Healing and Follow-Up

Healing can take several weeks as the implant bonds with the bone. During this time, our team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure everything is healing as expected.

When to Contact Us

Please call us straight away if you experience:

• If numbness persists for more than 6 hours after surgery.
• Severe or increasing pain
• Swelling that does not improve after 3–4 days
• Excessive bleeding
• If stiches become loose or fall out
• If implants become visible
• Any concerns about your healing

A Tradition of Care You Can Trust

For over eight decades, our family has proudly cared for generations of patients, combining advanced dental treatments with the warmth and personal attention that only a family practice can offer. We understand how important your smile is, and we’re committed to making your implant journey as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

If you have any questions about the aftercare of your dental implants,  don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re always here for you.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

If you’re considering multiple dental implants in Horbury or Wakefield, we’d love to help. Book your consultation with our implant team and discover what’s possible.

• Serving patients in Horbury, Wakefield, Ossett, Dewsbury, and surrounding West Yorkshire
• Call us on 01924 211234 or book online today.