First 24 hours — anything
- Bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes if any extraction or implant placement was done
- Apply ice pack 20 min on / 20 min off for swelling, first 6 hours
- Take any prescribed antibiotic or pain medication on schedule
- Soft cold foods only — yogurt, smoothies, lukewarm soup
- NO straws (suction can dislodge clots)
- NO smoking, no alcohol, no hot drinks
- Sleep with head slightly elevated (extra pillow)
Days 2–7 — implants and surgical work
- Saline rinse 3x/day after meals (warm water + 1/4 tsp salt)
- Continue soft foods — pasta, eggs, fish, mashed vegetables
- Brush gently around the area, avoid the surgical site directly
- Light activity OK; avoid gym, heavy lifting, or contact sports
- Mild swelling and bruising are normal; rapid worsening is not — call us
Crowns and veneers — first 2 weeks
- Avoid biting hard food (ice, hard candy, popcorn shells) on the new tooth
- Slight cold sensitivity for 1–3 weeks is normal
- If your bite feels off after 48 hours, call us — we can adjust remotely or schedule a quick visit
- Floss carefully around the crown margin
Dentures — adapting period
- Wear them as much as possible the first week (even at meals)
- Sore spots are normal day 1–3; we can reline if persistent
- Speech awkwardness fades in 5–10 days as your tongue adapts
- Remove and clean nightly; soak in denture cleaner
- Snap-in dentures: do not force the snap — let it click naturally
Long-term (years 1–10)
- Visit a US dentist every 6 months for cleaning (we share digital records on request)
- Use an electric toothbrush and a water flosser daily
- Avoid teeth as tools (no opening packages, no biting nails)
- If anything feels different — clicking, looseness, sensitivity — call us. Most things are easy to fix early.
Your warranty — what is covered
Implants: lifetime against implant body failure (replacement free). Crowns and bridges: 5 years against material failure. Dentures: 1 year against breakage. We honor warranties whether you return to Algodones or document the issue with a US dentist. Email us photos and your US dentist's diagnosis at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
When can I fly home after implant surgery?
Same day is fine for short flights. Wait 24 hours for any flight over 4 hours due to pressure changes.
Will my US dentist work on my Algodones implants?
Most will, especially for cleaning. For implant-specific issues we coordinate directly with them.
How do I get my dental records to my US dentist?
Email us — we send digital X-rays, CBCT, and treatment notes within 24 hours.
What if a crown comes loose at home?
Call immediately. Often fixable with a quick recement. We have a US-toll-free line: +1 (760) 890-4786.
Can I drink coffee after veneers?
Yes — porcelain veneers do not stain. Avoid heavy red wine for 48 hours while bonding fully cures.