First 24–48 hours

Right after surgery

• Some swelling and bruising is normal, especially for full arch cases
• Bite on gauze as directed to control bleeding
• Stick to cold, soft foods — smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes
• Take prescribed medication on schedule, don’t wait for pain to build

First week

Swelling peaks, then improves

• Swelling typically peaks around day 2–3, then gets better
• Continue soft foods; avoid chewing directly on the implant site
• Gentle salt-water rinses after meals — avoid vigorous swishing
• Most patients return to work within 2–4 days, sooner for a single implant

Back to normal, gradually

• Soreness fades; gradually reintroduce firmer foods
• Follow-up visit to check healing progress
• Avoid smoking — it significantly slows healing and raises implant failure risk

Weeks 2–6

3–6 months

Osseointegration — the invisible part

• Your jawbone is fusing to the implant — this phase has no real symptoms
• Avoid excessive force on temporary teeth during this window

When to call us

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after firm pressure for 30 minutes
• Fever, or swelling that worsens after day 3–4 instead of improving
• Signs your temporary teeth have loosened or shifted