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Preparing for Dental Implant Surgery: A Pre-Procedure Checklist

Dr. Igor Kaplansky, DDS · April 18, 2026 · 4 min read

Medically reviewed by Dr. Igor Kaplansky, DDS — April 18, 2026

What you do in the days before dental implant surgery affects how smoothly the procedure goes and how well you recover afterward. Most of it is practical, not complicated. This is what preparation actually looks like.

In the Weeks Before Surgery

Handle any unresolved oral health issues. Active gum disease, untreated cavities, or unresolved infections need to be addressed before implant placement. Placing implants in a compromised oral environment increases failure risk. If your treatment plan includes periodontal treatment or extractions as preparatory steps, those happen first.

Complete required medical clearances. If you take blood thinners, bisphosphonates, or other medications that affect healing or bleeding, your dentist may coordinate with your physician about temporary adjustments. Don’t modify any medication on your own — get specific guidance.

Stop smoking, or reduce significantly. Smoking is the most evidence-supported modifiable risk factor for implant failure. It impairs blood flow, slows healing, and creates conditions where osseointegration is less reliable. Cessation at least two weeks before surgery is strongly encouraged; the longer before surgery, the better the tissue environment.

Arrange transportation. If you’re receiving IV sedation — which is available and commonly chosen — you cannot drive home. Arrange for someone to drive you and be available for at least the first few hours post-procedure.

The Night and Morning Before Surgery

Follow fasting instructions if sedation is planned. If you’re receiving IV sedation, you will be given specific fasting instructions — typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight before a morning procedure. Follow these precisely. General anesthesia and IV sedation protocols require an empty stomach for safety.

Take any pre-prescribed medications as directed. Some patients receive a pre-operative antibiotic or anti-inflammatory. Take it as instructed with a small sip of water if your fasting protocol allows.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Choose a top with short or loose sleeves — IV access requires reaching your forearm. Avoid contact lenses if you plan on sleeping during recovery.

Skip cosmetics. No lipstick, heavy creams, or jewelry around the face.

At the Appointment

Arrive a few minutes early. The surgical team will review your health history, take vital signs, confirm your current medications, and answer any last-minute questions. If you’re nervous, say so — the team is experienced with anxious patients and sedation is there for exactly this reason.

Expect the appointment to take one to three hours depending on the procedure scope. Full-arch cases with extractions take longer than single-tooth placements.

Immediately After Surgery

Recovery begins the moment you leave. Ice packs for the first 24 hours reduce swelling. Soft foods only — nothing requiring chewing pressure on the surgical site. Avoid straws (suction creates negative pressure that can disrupt the surgical area). No alcohol for at least 24 hours post-procedure.

Some bleeding and swelling in the first 48 hours is normal. Swelling peaks around 48–72 hours and then resolves. Discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories in most cases; a prescription is available for cases that need more support.

Call the office immediately if you experience increasing pain after day three, signs of spreading infection (fever, increasing swelling), or numbness that doesn’t resolve.

Dr. Igor Kaplansky, DDS — Diplomate ABOI/ID, Fellow AAID/FICOI/FAGD, ZAGA Center certified — reviews post-operative care instructions with every patient before discharge. The frequently asked questions page covers additional recovery specifics, and the team is reachable at (716) 772-7500 for post-operative questions.

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Related: Dental Implant Pain and Recovery Guide · Dental Implants Overview · What Happens at Your Consultation · Frequently Asked Questions