February 10, 2026
Getting dental implants is a life-changing decision. It is the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because it restores both the look of your smile and the strength of your bite. However, the success of the procedure does not just happen in the dentist's chair. A huge part of the process depends on how well you look after yourself during the healing phase.
At Freshdental, we want your recovery to be as smooth and quick as possible. While the body needs time to integrate the new implant with your jawbone, there are several practical steps you can take to speed up the process and avoid complications. If you are looking for dental implants in London, understanding the aftercare is just as important as the surgery itself.
The first day after your surgery is the most critical. This is when your body begins the inflammatory response necessary for healing.
It might be tempting to get back to your normal routine, but your body needs energy to repair itself. Try to keep your head elevated with an extra pillow when you lie down. This helps reduce swelling and keeps the blood flow steady. Avoid any heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least two to three days.
It is normal to feel some tenderness once the anaesthetic wears off. We usually recommend taking pain relief before the numbness completely fades. Following the specific advice provided by your team at Freshdental will ensure you stay comfortable. Using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off can also do wonders for keeping swelling down.
What you eat plays a massive role in how quickly your tissues repair themselves. When you choose dental implants in London, we provide you with a guide on the best foods to eat during your recovery.
For the first week, your diet should consist of soft foods that require little to no chewing. Think of things like:
Keeping your mouth clean is vital to prevent infection, but you have to be gentle. Bacteria are the biggest threat to your new dental implants.
Starting about 24 hours after surgery, you can begin rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution. Use about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Do not swish aggressively; instead, let the water soak the area and then lean over the sink to let it fall out of your mouth.
You should continue to brush your other teeth as normal, but stay well away from the surgical site for the first few days. A buildup of plaque elsewhere in the mouth can still migrate, so maintaining overall cleanliness is a must. Your dental implants in London will be monitored closely, and your clinician will tell you when it is safe to start cleaning the implant area directly with a soft brush.
Some habits can significantly slow down your healing or even cause the implant to fail entirely.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of implant failure. It reduces blood flow to the gums and bone, which means the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing cannot reach the site. Stop smoking at least a few weeks before your appointment at Freshdental and continue to avoid it throughout the healing months.
Alcohol can interfere with your medication and thin your blood, which may increase the risk of prolonged bleeding. It is best to stay away from beer, wine, and spirits for at least the first week of your recovery.
The foundation of a fast recovery is a precisely placed implant. When you seek out dental implants in London, you want a team that uses modern technology to plan the procedure. At Freshdental, we take the time to assess your bone density and gum health to ensure the implant has the best possible start.
A well-placed implant heals more predictably because there is less trauma to the surrounding tissue. Our commitment to high-quality dental hygiene and surgical standards means you are in safe hands from the first consultation to the final fitting.
Q: How long does it actually take for dental implants to heal?
A: The initial healing of the gums usually takes about one to two weeks. However, the process of the bone growing around the implant, called osseointegration, takes between three and six months. You will not feel this happening, but it is the reason why we wait before placing the final permanent crown.
Q: What should I do if the bleeding does not stop?
A: It is normal to have some pink-tinged saliva for the first day. If you notice more active bleeding, place a clean piece of damp gauze over the site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. If it still does not stop, contact Freshdental immediately.
Q: Is it normal for the area to look bruised?
A: Yes, some bruising on the gums or even the skin of the cheek is quite common and nothing to worry about. It usually peaks at day three and then starts to fade.
Q: When can I start eating normal food again?
A: You can slowly reintroduce firmer foods as you feel comfortable, usually after the first week. However, you should avoid biting directly on the implant site with hard or crunchy foods like nuts or crusty bread until the final tooth is attached.
Q: Will the dental implants in London look natural?
A: Absolutely. We match the colour, shape, and size of the replacement tooth to your existing teeth so that nobody will even know you had a procedure done.
Q: Does the procedure hurt?
A: During the surgery, you will be under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel any pain. Many patients at Freshdental are surprised by how straightforward the process is. The post-operative discomfort is usually manageable with standard over-the-counter painkillers.
Q: What if I have a very low bone density?
A: We can often perform a bone graft to strengthen the area before placing the implant. This adds some time to the overall journey, but it ensures that the implant has a solid foundation.
Healing is a journey, not a race. By following these simple steps and keeping in close contact with your team, you can ensure your new tooth remains a permanent and beautiful part of your life.
If you are considering dental implants in London, we would love to help you understand your options. A healthy, full smile is within reach, and the recovery is a small price to pay for a lifetime of confidence.
Book Your Consultation at Freshdental.
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