POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Healing takes time.
We’re here to help.

Know what to focus on after your procedure, how to care for yourself at home, and when to reach out to your care team.

YOUR RECOVERY ESSENTIALS

Start with the basics

Follow your discharge plan
Keep your personal instructions nearby.
Give yourself time to rest
Follow your activity and medication plan.
Know when to reach out
Contact your team with concerns.

Your procedure. Your recovery plan.

Recovery varies by procedure. Use the instructions provided by your surgeon as your primary guide. The oral-care information below may not apply to facial procedures, implants, grafts, or jaw surgery; follow your specific discharge plan.

In this guide

Rest & activity

Pain & swelling

Bleeding & surgical-site care

Food & hydration

Cleaning & oral hygiene

Follow-up & ongoing recovery

When to seek help

Rest & activity

Give yourself time to recover
Rest after your procedure and follow your care team’s instructions for returning to work, exercise, and your normal routine. If you received sedation or general anesthesia, follow your discharge restrictions for driving and arrange the recommended support at home.

Pain & swelling

Follow your personal comfort plan
Use medication only as directed by your surgeon. Ask before adding over-the-counter products or changing your dose. After oral surgery, your team may recommend a cold compress for swelling. Confirm the timing and method appropriate for your procedure.

Bleeding & surgical-site care

Protect the healing area
After an extraction, follow the instructions you were given for gauze and pressure. Avoid disturbing the surgical site. If bleeding is excessive or continues despite the measures in your discharge instructions, contact your surgical team promptly.

Food & hydration

Follow the diet recommended for you
After an extraction, follow the instructions you were given for gauze and pressure. Avoid disturbing the surgical site. If bleeding is excessive or continues despite the measures in your discharge instructions, contact your surgical team promptly.

Cleaning & oral hygiene

Be gentle around the surgical site
Follow your surgeon’s directions for brushing, rinsing, and any prescribed mouthwash. Ask when each part of your routine should resume. For extraction sites, avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the area. Use irrigation devices only if your team instructs you to do so.

Follow-up & ongoing recovery

Keep your next appointment
Attend scheduled follow-up visits so your surgeon can check your healing and answer questions. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure about your recovery, contact the care team rather than waiting for your next visit.

STAY CONNECTED

When to contact your surgical team

Reach out promptly for severe or persistent pain, excessive bleeding, worsening swelling, fever, or other symptoms that concern you. Use the office or after-hours number provided in your discharge instructions.

Keep your discharge contact information within reach.

MAKE RECOVERY A LITTLE EASIER

A simple plan for home

MAKE RECOVERY A LITTLE EASIER

A simple plan for home

Keep your discharge paperwork, medication directions, and care team’s contact details together.

PLAN AHEAD

Your support

Arrange the help you need with transportation, meals, and rest based on your care team’s advice.

STAY CONNECTED

Your follow-up

Keep your follow-up appointment and write down questions you want to discuss.

MAKE RECOVERY A LITTLE EASIER

A little clarity for your recovery.

1When can I return to normal activities?
Your surgeon will recommend a timeline based on your procedure and healing. Ask about work, exercise, and driving before returning to your routine.
2What if my medication isn’t helping?
Contact your surgical team. Do not increase your dose or combine medications without their guidance.
3Which instructions apply to my procedure?
Follow the discharge instructions you received. If they are missing or unclear, contact the office for a copy or clarification.