How to prepare for a dental implant — a 7-day checklist

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 a companion

7 days before the procedure — consultation and records

Consultation with the implantologist

If you have not yet had a consultation with 3D CBCT imaging, now is the last chance. The implantologist needs to examine your jawbone anatomy precisely to plan the implant position.

Medical history

Tell the implantologist about: all medications you take (including supplements, vitamins); allergies (especially to antibiotics, anaesthetics); systemic conditions (diabetes, bleeding disorders, autoimmune); past procedures (surgery, anaesthesia); smoking (number of cigarettes per day).

Antibiotic prophylaxis

For extensive procedures (All-on-4, subperiosteal, sinus lift) the implantologist prescribes an antibiotic. You start taking it one day before the procedure.

5–7 days before — medication and diet

Medications to stop

By agreement with the implantologist AND your GP (never on your own):

Medication	When to stop	Reason
Aspirin	5–7 days before	Bleeding risk
Ibuprofen, naproxen	3–5 days before	Bleeding risk
Warfarin, Marcumar	After consultation (NEVER on your own)	Anticoagulants
Bisphosphonates	After consultation	Risk of osteonecrosis
Vitamin E supplements, fish oil, garlic tablets	5–7 days before	Bleeding risk

Diet

5–7 days before: no alcohol (reduces bleeding risk and speeds recovery). You may drink normal beverages, coffee and herbal teas.

2–3 days before the procedure

• Soft food: soups, yoghurt, bananas, soft cooked vegetables
• Plenty of fluids — water, mild tea
• Careful brushing 2× a day with a soft brush
• If you smoke, now is the last chance to stop. Ideally 48 hours before and 7–10 days after. Smokers have a 2–3× higher risk of failure.

24 hours before the procedure

• Sleep 7–8 hours
• A light meal until 8 pm (soup, fish, soft vegetables)
• The first dose of antibiotic the evening before the procedure (as directed, if prescribed)
• Prepare: a companion (if sedation), cold compresses, a painkiller (paracetamol, ibuprofen), soft food

Day of the procedure — morning

• Eat a light breakfast 2–3 hours before the procedure. Do not arrive on an empty stomach.
• Do not drink: coffee, energy drinks, alcohol
• Comfortable, loose clothing; no make-up or perfume
• Bring: ID, a list of medications, a companion (if sedation)

After the procedure — the first 24 hours

• Bite on the gauze for 30–60 minutes (bleeding)
• Cold compresses on the face — 20 min on, 20 min off
• Sleep with your head raised
• Take the 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 a medication before the procedure? Call the practice — we decide whether to postpone or proceed.

May I wear contact lenses on the day of the procedure? Yes, but if sedation is used, it is better without lenses.

How do I prepare emotionally? Fear is natural. It helps to: talk with the implantologist about every step, listen to music during the procedure, and use sedation for severe anxiety.