Outstanding Patient Care
The experience of our patients is at the heart of what we do, and we aim to provide complete satisfaction and exceptional results to everyone. All our treatments are guaranteed, and our aftercare is second to none.
Unlike many other clinics which care ends once treatment is complete, we look after our patients by checking their implants annually; we also offer an aftercare membership to extend the guarantee of our implants.
Implant Aftercare Membership
At The Implant Centre we pride ourselves in the way we care for our patients over the long term. To ensure that your implants remain healthy for years to come we have designed the Implant Aftercare Membership, a unique membership package that entitles you to a number of benefits such as; included review appointments, 7 days a week emergency support, free advice on how to clean and look after your implants and much more.
By its very nature, treatment with dental implants is expensive, and the Implant Aftercare Membership provides security for your investment.
Guidelines for Aftercare of your Mouth
Eating, Drinking and Exercise
Take care to only have cold drinks and do not eat until the local anaesthetic has worn off. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for the first day and do not ‘swill’ liquid over the area. Try not to disturb the area with your tongue or fingers. Do not undertake strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours (running / gym)
Managing Discomfort
You may have some swelling and / or bruising following your treatment - this usually reaches a peak 2 to 3 days later. This is quite normal and both will subside naturally after a few days.
You may experience some mild soreness following your treatment but this should not be painful and can be easily managed with simple analgesics (painkillers). You should take these regularly not exceeding the maximum 24 hour stated dose for the first 2 days after your surgery. Take whatever painkillers you normally take for headaches, aches and sprains (i.e. ibuprofen and paracetamol make a good combination).
If after a few days you experience increasing pain and swelling, you should contact The Implant Centre as soon as possible so that we can help resolve the problem.
Stitches and Bleeding
The stitches are dissolvable but often remain for around 2-3 weeks, if they are uncomfortable or annoying, you may contact us to have them removed.
Some minor bleeding after surgery in the mouth is normal. If this persists, apply pressure by biting firmly down over the area on a gauze swab or clean handkerchief for 60 minutes whilst sitting upright. Do not keep checking or changing the gauze. You should contact us if bleeding persists for any reason after applying pressure in this way.
Smoking
You are advised not to smoke or vape until the wound has healed as this severely limits healing in the mouth. If you are thinking of quitting, this is a good time to quit.
Temporary Denture (if you have been given one)
If you have a denture please wear it as little as possible for the first week to reduce trauma to the surgical site. You must always leave the denture out at night.
Cleaning your dental implant
Successful oral surgery depends on keeping the mouth as clean as possible
Please start to use the mouthwash you have been given on the evening of your surgery and continue for 1 week. This is very important. You should gently bathe the surgical site by holding approximately 15ml over the site (the equivalent of half a cap-full) for at least 1 minute, 3 times a day, for 7 days.
You should also start cleaning your other teeth as normal with a toothbrush, starting on the evening of your surgery. Avoid the surgical site for the first few days, but then begin to carefully clean this area as well when tenderness permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most implants are very straightforward, taking only 10–15 minutes for the surgical part. Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so there is no sharp pain — only some pressing, pushing, and vibration. For larger procedures or nervous patients, sedation is available, leaving patients very comfortable and with little memory of the procedure.
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Any surgical procedure can have complications. When an implant is placed, the bone needs to fuse with it (osseointegration). If this fails, the choice of a full refund or a free replacement is offered. Audited implant integration rates are over 98%, and second failures are exceptionally rare.
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Most people are excellent candidates for dental implants, even if they have been missing teeth for many years or have been previously told they lack the necessary bone. During your initial consultation, we utilise high-resolution 3D CT scanning to precisely map the bone of your jaw and ensure your oral health is optimal for the procedure. While factors such as smoking, poorly-controlled diabetes, or certain medications can influence healing, we carefully evaluate your medical history during a comprehensive assessment to develop a tailored treatment plan that ensures long-term success and predictable outcomes.
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Recovery time for older patients is generally similar to that of younger adults. While healing is a biological process that can be slightly slower as we age, most patients find that they return to their normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. We will provide you with a tailored aftercare plan that accounts for your specific health history. This ensures that the healing process remains smooth, predictable, and as comfortable as possible. We are always here to support your recovery, and our team remains available for any questions or assistance you may need during the days following your treatment.
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Immediately after your procedure, we recommend sticking to a soft diet for the first few days while the surgical site heals. Once the implants have fully integrated, they are incredibly strong. You can generally eat whatever you like, though we advise caution with extremely hard foods — such as chewing on ice or hard boiled sweets — as these can risk damaging the porcelain or aesthetic components of your restoration, just as they could with your natural teeth. The goal of implants is to return your diet to normal, allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods with complete confidence.
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We see this very often, and please be assured that there is no need to feel embarrassed. We have helped many patients who have not visited a dentist for years to restore their oral health. Even if you have been missing teeth for a long time, dental implants are frequently still a very viable option. We use advanced X-rays and 3D imaging to assess your bone availability and ensure your treatment is safe and effective. Your first step is a comprehensive assessment appointment, where we will evaluate your individual situation without any judgement. We will then discuss a tailored plan to help you regain your smile and confidence at a pace that feels right for you.
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We are experienced in managing patients who travel from across the country and abroad, and we make the process as seamless as possible for you. When you live far away, we adapt your care to minimise unnecessary travel while maintaining the highest clinical standards:
Combined appointments: We often bundle diagnostic assessments, planning sessions, and surgical procedures into longer, more efficient visits.
Remote consultations: Where appropriate, we can use virtual check-ins to monitor your progress and answer questions, reducing the need for you to be physically present at the clinic.
Local collaboration: While we prefer to oversee your long-term maintenance to ensure the specific needs of your implants are met, we are happy to coordinate with your local dentist for routine hygiene and general check-ups.
Implant Aftercare Membership: This remains a key part of your journey. Even if you do not visit us every week, your membership ensures you have 7-day emergency support and access to our team whenever you need expert advice.
We will discuss a tailored schedule at your consultation that balances the need for clinical oversight with your convenience. Many of our patients find that once their treatment is complete, the annual reviews are a very manageable commitment.
We want your recovery to be as smooth and pleasant as possible. It is vital to follow these instructions very carefully – if you have any concerns or questions regarding your progress, please do not hesitate to contact us. An out of hours contact number is always available on our answerphone.
Brighton & Hove: 01273 766690 or Haywards Heath: 01444 474015 and Press 1
If you have any general dental implant questions, visit our FAQ’s Page