Dental implants in Istanbul · Day 1 of 7
Day 1 after dental implants in Istanbul
Rest at the hotel until the numbness has gone. Eat only once it has worn off, and keep food soft and cool. A short evening walk is the most you need today.
Today's rules
Eating
Soft food only, chewed on the opposite side. No crunchy, sticky or spicy food. No straws: sucking can disturb the clot.
Source: Acibadem International · University of Rochester Medical Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health
Hot drinks, hot dishes and heat
Lukewarm drinks only. Heat encourages bleeding, so skip very hot tea, soup straight off the stove, the hammam and the sauna.
Source: Acibadem International · University of Rochester Medical Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health
Exercise
Nothing strenuous. Rest and short walks only while swelling builds.
Source: Bupa Dental Care · University of Rochester Medical Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health
Smoking, vaping and nargile
Do not smoke. It disrupts healing of the bone and gum around the implant.
Source: Bupa Dental Care · Cleveland Clinic
Alcohol
Avoid it during the early recovery. Ask your surgeon when you can drink again.
Source: Acibadem International
Sun, sea and pools
No specific limit in implant aftercare beyond avoiding strenuous activity. Sit in the shade if swelling is still up.
Source: Bupa Dental Care
Flying home
There is no universal rule. Sinus lifts, bone grafts and how your first days go all change the timing. Build your review appointment in before you book.
Source: Acibadem International
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
4 things you can do today
Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
Two hours on the water past palaces, mansions and both bridges. Pick a seat in the covered cabin or the shaded side of the deck.
Seated, shaded or covered, about 2 hours
Hagia Sophia
The great dome is worth it, but queues stand in the sun and the inside is crowded. Women cover their hair and everyone removes shoes.
Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 1.5 hours
Grand Bazaar
A covered maze of 4,000 shops. Shaded, but shoulder to shoulder at peak times. Go early on a weekday.
Gentle walking, indoors, about 2 hours
Basilica Cistern
The cool, dim underground cistern with the Medusa heads. Walkways get packed at midday; go at opening time.
Gentle walking, indoors, about 1 hour
Also fine today: Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront · Galata Tower · Spice Bazaar · Whirling dervish ceremony · Istanbul Archaeology Museums · Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Black Sea beaches at Kilyos · Pera Museum
2 things to skip today
Where to eat today
- Milk puddings at a muhallebici. Sütlaç, kazandibi and tavuk göğsü: soft, cool and very Istanbul.
- Esnaf lokantası lunch. Tradesmen's canteens serve soups, stews, rice and vegetable dishes from steam trays. Point at what you want. Let soup cool if you have had dental work.
- Mantı in Kadıköy or Beşiktaş. Tiny dumplings under garlic yogurt and chilli butter. Ask for the butter on the side if you need it mild.
Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates