“How do you get the swelling to go down after a dental implant?”

On the day of the surgery, you should have used an ice pack. Starting the next day and for 3-5 days, rinse with very warm salt water (8 oz, water with 1/2 tsp salt) 3 to 5 times per day. Apply warm, moist heat to the outside of the cheek where the work was done - 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off throughout the day. Cold helps prevent swelling on the first day by limiting the blood supply and preventing the buildup of fluid. After the first day, cold may make it feel better, but it then limits the body's ability to take away the excess fluid. So, starting the second day, heat encourages blood flow to the area to wash away the swelling. If the swelling has not begun to diminish after a few days of proper care, contact your dentist/surgeon. You may have developed an infection requiring antibiotics.

Dr. Conrad

If a dental implant (the part of the implant that is placed in the bone) was placed today, that is the surgical portion of the implant process. Your surgeon likely recommends ice and anti inflammatories to minimize swelling. Some swelling should be expected from any surgical procedure.

Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

If the swelling is in your gums, you can do gentle warm salt water rinses 2-3 times a day. If the swelling is in the face, I would recommend ice and contacting your dentist, as you may require an exam and/or antibiotics.

Swelling is a natural part of having surgery. The most common way is to take anti-inflammatory medication as directed by your surgeon or as instructed on the bottle. It is important to reduce activity for the first few days. You must rest! Relax. Allow your body to heal itself. You also want to incorporate a soft diet for at least 72 hours.
I hope this helps!

Call your implant surgeon....now. You may need an antibiotic. If you are not allergic, and you are medically able to take advil or motrin, 600mg every 6 hours. Ice pack, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. The most important thing is to contact your implant surgeon!

Apply ice on 10 minutes, off 5 minutes for the 1st 48 hours. Follow your surgeon's instructions. Call the office if the swelling seems much too large.