Healing, honestly: what to expect

Day by day and week by week — what is normal, what is not, and when to call the office.

• The first 48 hours after implant surgeryThe first two days after implant surgery matter most. Here is exactly what is normal — bleeding, swelling, pain — and the specific signs that mean call the office.
• Dental implant healing timeline, week by weekHow long does a dental implant take to heal? A week-by-week guide to soft-tissue healing and osseointegration — what happens beneath the surface and when.
• Managing pain after implant surgery: what's normalHow much pain is normal after a dental implant? A calm guide to what discomfort to expect, how to manage it, and the specific pain that means call your surgeon.
• What to eat after implant surgery: a soft-food guideWhat can you eat after a dental implant? A stage-by-stage soft-food guide — what to eat, what to avoid, and how to protect the healing site while staying nourished.
• Swelling, bruising, and bleeding: normal vs. call the officeSome swelling, bruising, and oozing after implant surgery is completely normal. Here is exactly what to expect — and the specific signs that mean you should call.
• Smoking, straws, and exercise: what to avoid while you healSmoking, straws, and hard exercise can all threaten the blood clot and bone healing after an implant. Here is why — in plain biology — and how long to hold off.
• Caring for your implant site while it healsHow to clean around a healing implant without disturbing it — gentle rinsing, careful brushing, and the daily habits that protect osseointegration.
• How long until you get the permanent crown?Most people wait 2 to 6 months for the permanent crown while the implant fuses to bone. Here is why the wait exists, when a temporary is used, and the honest tradeoffs.