What's happening now

• The implant is a small post placed in your jawbone.
• It is currently fusing with the surrounding bone — a process you can't see or feel.
• Fusion takes about three to six months.
• Once the implant is solid, your dentist will make the tooth that attaches to it.
• The waiting period ahead is normal and necessary.

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Keeping the area clean

• Brush the area very gently with a soft toothbrush.
• Rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day, especially after meals.
• Keep the gum around the implant clean, but be gentle with it.

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The healing cap

• If you can see a small metal cap at the gum line, that's the healing cap — it's supposed to be there.
• Don't push on it or wiggle it with your tongue or finger.
• If it comes loose or falls out, keep it and call the office. It isn't an emergency, but we want to know.

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Eating

• Stay off that side for at least one month.
• Soft foods are your friend.
• Avoid anything hard or crunchy directly on the implant site — the implant needs to sit undisturbed while it fuses.

Medications

• You can stop your antibiotics.
• You can stop your prescription pain medication.
• For lingering tenderness, over-the-counter Tylenol and Advil work very well — follow the package directions, as long as those medications are safe for you.

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Bruising

• Some bruising along the jaw or cheek is completely normal.
• It will fade on its own over the next week or two.
• Nothing needs to be done about it.

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Smoking and vaping

• This matters more with implants than almost anything else.
• If you smoke or vape, stopping now genuinely improves the odds this implant succeeds.
• It's the single biggest thing within your control.

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Next steps

• We'll see you again in three to six months to confirm the implant has fused and get you ready for the final tooth.
• In the meantime, call the office if anything changes — increasing pain, swelling, or if you're simply unsure.

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