You already have your procedure date booked. But what do you actually need to do now? In this guide I have put together a practical 7-day checklist — exactly what to do on each day before your dental implant is placed, so that the procedure goes smoothly and you recover quickly.
Quick overview — the most important points
- 7 days before the procedure: consultation with the implantologist, X-ray/3D CT
- 5–7 days before: stopping certain medications (after consulting your dentist and GP)
- 2–3 days before: no alcohol, soft food
- 24 hours before: a light meal, good sleep hygiene
- Day of the procedure: a light breakfast, no caffeine, bring someone to accompany you
Consultation with the implantologist
If you have not yet had a consultation with a 3D CBCT scan, now is the last chance. The implantologist needs to examine the anatomy of your jawbone closely in order to plan the position of the implant.
Medical history
Tell the implantologist about:
- All medications you take (including supplements and vitamins)
- Allergies (especially to antibiotics and anaesthetics)
- Systemic conditions (diabetes, bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases)
- Past procedures (operations, anaesthesia)
- Smoking (number of cigarettes per day)
Antibiotic prophylaxis
For extensive procedures (All-on-4, subperiosteal, sinus lift) the implantologist prescribes an antibiotic. You begin taking it the day before the procedure.
Medications that must be stopped
After agreement with your implantologist AND your GP (never on your own):
| Medication | When to stop | Reason | |----------|----------------|-------| | Aspirin | 5–7 days before | Bleeding risk | | Ibuprofen, Naprosyn | 3–5 days before | Bleeding risk | | Warfarin, Marcumar | After consultation (NEVER on your own) | Anticoagulants | | Bisphosphonates | After consultation | Osteonecrosis risk | | Supplements with vitamin E, fish oil, garlic tablets | 5–7 days before | Bleeding risk |
Diet
5–7 days before: no alcohol (it reduces bleeding and speeds up recovery). You may drink normal beverages, coffee and herbal teas.
Food
- Soft food: soups, yoghurt, bananas, soft cooked vegetables
- Plenty of fluids — water, mild teas
- Not too salty or spicy food (it irritates the mucosa)
Oral hygiene
Careful brushing twice a day with a soft brush. No active mouthwashes, as they can irritate the soft tissue.
Smoking
If you smoke, now is the last chance to stop. Ideally 48 hours before the procedure and 7–10 days afterwards. Smokers have a 2–3× higher risk of failure.
Sleep hygiene
Get 7–8 hours of sleep. A well-rested body copes better with surgical stress.
Meal the evening before
A light meal until 8 pm (soup, fish, soft vegetables). No heavy food that would weigh you down.
Antibiotic prophylaxis (if prescribed)
The first dose of the antibiotic the evening before the procedure (as instructed).
Kit for the morning
Get ready:
- Someone to accompany you (if there will be sedation)
- Cold compresses (a piece of ice in a bag)
- A painkiller (Lekadol, Ibuprofen)
- Soft food for the following days
Breakfast
Have a light breakfast 2–3 hours before the procedure (bread with avocado, yoghurt, fruit). Do not come on an empty stomach — local anaesthesia plus adrenaline on an empty stomach can cause nausea or dizziness.
Do not drink
- Coffee (can raise blood pressure)
- Energy drinks
- Alcohol (although you probably won't anyway)
Clothing
Comfortable, loosely dressed. No tight collars. Bring a light jacket in case it gets cold after the procedure (facial swelling).
Hygiene
- Brush your teeth as usual
- No make-up on the face (it can interfere with scans or photos)
- No perfume (important for the assistant, who works closely with you)
What to bring
- Personal documents
- A list of the medications you take
- Someone to accompany you (if there will be sedation — you must not drive)
- Something to read or a book (waiting before the procedure)
During the procedure — a brief overview
Placing a single implant takes about 30 minutes. All-on-4 up to 120 minutes. The patient is awake (except with sedation). Local anaesthesia takes effect 2–3 minutes after the injection. During the procedure you feel vibrations and pressure, but no pain. More in the article about pain with implants.
After the procedure — the first 24 hours
- Bite on the gauze for 30–60 minutes (bleeding)
- Cold compresses on the face — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- Sleep with your head raised (a raised head reduces swelling)
- Take a painkiller before the anaesthesia wears off
- Soft food — soups, yoghurt, eggs, soft fish
- DO NOT: hot food, alcohol, smoking, straws
Frequently asked questions
May I drink water before the procedure?
Yes, water is fine up to 1 hour before the procedure.
May I go to work on the day of the procedure?
The next day yes, the same day no (rest after the procedure).
What if I forget to take my medication before the procedure?
Call the clinic — we will decide together whether to postpone or proceed.
May I wear contact lenses on the day of the procedure?
Yes, but if there will be sedation, it is better without lenses.
How should I prepare emotionally?
Fear is natural. It helps to: talk through every step with the implantologist, listen to music during the procedure, and for stronger anxiety, opt for sedation.
Book a consultation
If you have not yet had a consultation, I invite you to a free first consultation with a 3D CBCT scan. After the examination I will present a precise treatment plan and prepare an individual preparation list for you.
- 📞 Call: +386 51 452 627
- 📧 Write: info@koderman.eu
- 📍 Hreničeva ulica 3, 2250 Ptuj
- ⏰ Mon 9–16, Tue–Fri 9–15
_Author: Dr Antonio Koderman, DMD & MSc of Implantology._