Dental implants have become main stream and many are getting this done routinely. In my 15 years experience , these are the  5 commonly asked  questions that i have encountered

1) What/When can I eat ? Can I brush over the implant area? 

Generally you can eat a soft diet (like porridge / bread / khichdi / idly / banana, etc.) on the same day of the procedure (generally 2 hours later). Care should be taken to avoid hot food. Room temperature or cold is preferred. Cold ice packs from the outside (on the cheek) corresponding to the area of the implanted tooth helps. One must avoid eating crispy foods for 10 days at least ( Toasts / pani puri / bhujia, etc.) as these can get lodged between the newly placed implant and the gum and cause infection. One must brush and use a mouth wash after implant placement. Care should be taken to avoid scrubbing the implant area hard . At most, a gentle stroke or firm finger massaging over the implant is desirable . 

2) Can I smoke / drink after an implant? 

One must avoid smoking and drinking for 24-48 hours after implant placement. Studies have conclusively proven that smokers have a higher risk of poor bone healing and subsequent poor implant integration into bone . The best advice i can give is to quit completely.

3) When can I resume office / exercise?

Most of the procedures in implantology are simplified today and one can join work the same day or next and rest days are rarely required. This would depend on the severity and type of procedure performed and your doctor is the best judge for this. Vigorous exercise / high intensity sports is generally not recommended for 3 days at least.

Dental implant takes 4-6 months ( 4 months for the lower jaw and 6 months for the upper jaw) to integrate into your body.

4) Can I travel?

Generally speaking , the doctor should see the patient in a couple of days after the procedure for a routine check up, but if one must travel, then a window period of 24-48 hours is recommended. Emergency travel is OK as there is absolute no contraindication to travel after treatment. 

5) When can I resume regular sex life?

Right away! While one can continue a normal sex life but oral related activities can be uncomfortable for about 3-7  days as well as risky as the healing areas in the mouth have a high risk of infection during this period.