Recovery Guides & Post-Operative Care
Expert recovery instructions from Atlanta's board-certified oral surgeons to ensure optimal healing after your procedure
Your Recovery Journey Starts Here
Proper post-operative care is essential for successful healing and optimal results. Our recovery guides provide detailed, evidence-based instructions tailored to each specific procedure.
Important Medical Disclaimer
These recovery guides provide general information and are not a substitute for personalized medical advice from your surgeon. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical team at Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery.
- Contact our office immediately if you experience unusual symptoms
- Follow your surgeon's specific medication instructions
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Individual recovery may vary based on your specific condition
Comprehensive Recovery Guides
Select your procedure to access detailed recovery instructions and post-operative care guidelines
Dental Implant Recovery Guide
Comprehensive instructions for single tooth implants, multiple implants, and full arch restorations
- First 24 hours: Critical care phase
- Days 2-7: Initial healing period
- Weeks 2-6: Osseointegration phase
- Long-term maintenance and care
Wisdom Teeth Recovery Guide
Step-by-step instructions for simple and complex wisdom teeth extraction recovery
- Managing bleeding and swelling
- Soft food diet recommendations
- Dry socket prevention and care
- Returning to normal activities
Bone Grafting Recovery Guide
Specialized care instructions for various bone augmentation procedures
- Protecting the graft site
- Medication management
- Activity restrictions
- Healing timeline expectations
Jaw Surgery Recovery Guide
Comprehensive recovery protocol for orthognathic surgery patients
- Immediate post-operative care
- Liquid and soft diet planning
- Managing swelling and discomfort
- Long-term recovery milestones
Sinus Lift Recovery Guide
Specialized instructions for sinus augmentation procedures
- Preventing sinus complications
- Medication protocols
- Activity restrictions
- Follow-up care requirements
Facial Trauma Recovery Guide
Recovery protocols for facial fracture repair and trauma reconstruction
- Wound care instructions
- Pain management strategies
- Nutrition during recovery
- Rehabilitation exercises
Essential Recovery Tips for All Procedures
Universal principles that support optimal healing after oral surgery
Rest & Recovery
Allow your body adequate time to heal by getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activities.
Medication Management
Take prescribed medications as directed and never adjust dosages without consulting your surgeon.
Nutrition & Hydration
Maintain proper nutrition with soft foods and stay well-hydrated to support the healing process.
Swelling Management
Use cold compresses during the first 48 hours and warm compresses thereafter to manage swelling.
Oral Hygiene
Follow specific instructions for keeping your mouth clean while protecting surgical sites.
Communication
Contact our office with any concerns or questions during your recovery period.
Typical Recovery Timeline
General healing progression for most oral surgery procedures
First 24 Hours
Bleeding control, initial swelling, pain management, and rest. Follow all immediate post-operative instructions carefully.
Days 2-3
Peak swelling typically occurs. Continue cold compresses, soft diet, and prescribed medications.
Days 4-7
Swelling begins to decrease. Transition to warm compresses. Gradual return to light activities.
Weeks 2-3
Significant improvement in comfort. May return to most normal activities. Follow-up appointment typically scheduled.
Months 1-3
Soft tissue healing largely complete. For implant procedures, osseointegration occurs during this period.
3+ Months
Full healing achieved for most procedures. Final restorations placed for implant cases.
Individual Recovery May Vary
This timeline represents a typical recovery progression. Your individual healing may differ based on factors including:
- The specific procedure performed
- Your overall health and medical history
- Compliance with post-operative instructions
- Genetic factors affecting healing
- Presence of any complications
Download Printable Recovery Guides
Take our comprehensive recovery instructions with you for easy reference during your healing process
Frequently Asked Questions - Recovery Process
How long does swelling typically last after oral surgery?
Swelling usually peaks within 48-72 hours after surgery and gradually decreases over the following 5-7 days. Most noticeable swelling resolves within 1-2 weeks, though some subtle swelling may persist for several weeks, particularly after more extensive procedures.
When can I return to work after oral surgery?
This depends on the procedure and your job requirements. Most patients can return to sedentary work within 2-3 days. For more physically demanding jobs, 5-7 days may be recommended. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and occupation.
What foods should I eat during recovery?
Stick to soft, cool or room temperature foods initially: yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and broth-based soups. Avoid hot foods, spicy foods, crunchy items, and using straws (which can disrupt healing). Gradually reintroduce normal foods as healing progresses.
How do I manage pain after surgery?
Take prescribed pain medication as directed, ideally before the local anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be sufficient for some procedures. Applying cold compresses to the outside of your face can also help manage both pain and swelling during the first 48 hours.
When can I resume normal oral hygiene?
You can typically brush your teeth the day after surgery, being careful to avoid the surgical sites. Your surgeon may recommend salt water rinses beginning 24 hours after surgery. Specific instructions will vary based on your procedure.
What are signs of potential complications?
Contact our office immediately if you experience: excessive bleeding that doesn't respond to pressure, severe pain not relieved by medication, fever over 101°F, pus drainage from the surgical site, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or numbness that persists beyond the expected timeframe.
Need Personalized Recovery Guidance?
Our surgical team is available to address your specific recovery questions and concerns
Contact Our Recovery Team