Post-Operative Care
Bone Grafting Recovery
Bone grafts require careful protection during healing. Follow these instructions to ensure the best outcome for your procedure.
Socket Preservation
Graft placed immediately after extraction
3-4 months
Ridge Augmentation
Rebuilding lost bone width or height
4-6 months
Sinus Lift
Adding bone below the sinus for upper implants
6-9 months
Block Graft
Large bone defect reconstruction
4-6 months
Track Your Recovery
Personalized day-by-day timeline based on your procedure
Enter your surgery date to see a personalized Bone Graft recovery timeline.
Critical Protection Period
First 48 Hours
- •Apply ice packs: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- •Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding
- •Keep head elevated at all times
- •Take prescribed medications as directed
- •Absolutely NO rinsing, spitting, or touching the graft site
- •Soft, cool foods only - avoid the surgical area
- •Complete rest - no physical activity
Early Healing
Days 3-7
- •Begin gentle salt water rinses (1/2 tsp salt in 8oz warm water)
- •Continue soft food diet
- •Swelling begins to decrease after day 3
- •Take all medications as prescribed until finished
- •Very gentle tooth brushing, avoiding graft site
- •Bruising may appear and will fade
- •Light activities only
Progressive Healing
Weeks 2-4
- •Graft material stabilizing
- •Gradually advance diet as comfortable
- •Normal activities can resume
- •Stitches dissolve or removed at follow-up
- •Continue excellent oral hygiene
- •Follow-up appointment for healing check
Bone Maturation
Months 3-6
- •New bone forms around graft material
- •Full bone maturation: 4-6 months
- •CT scan may be taken to evaluate healing
- •Implant placement can be planned
- •Continue regular dental care