Overview: Why oral and maxillofacial surgery matters

Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and related structures. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, trauma reconstruction, or treatment for oral tumors, knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you prepare for a smooth recovery. Head & Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA) provides comprehensive care from dual-degreed, board-certified surgeons who combine medical and dental expertise to achieve precise, patient-centered outcomes. Learn more about our team and services on our about page.

Which procedures are most common?

How do I prepare for an oral surgery consultation?

Your first visit typically includes a focused history, oral exam, and imaging. Bring a list of current medications, prior dental records, and any relevant medical history. Learn what to expect at your first visit here: What to Expect at Your First Visit. If your surgeon needs additional tests, the team will coordinate imaging and planning, often using virtual surgical planning for complex cases like jaw realignment and reconstruction.

Anesthesia and pain control: what happens in the operating room?

HNSA offers local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia depending on the procedure and patient needs. Learn more about sedation and anesthesia options on our sedation page: Sedation & General Anesthesia. Our surgeons work closely with anesthesia providers to keep you comfortable and safe during surgery. For many procedures—especially complex reconstructions and orthognathic cases—general anesthesia is used, while simpler extractions or implant placements may be done with local anesthesia and IV sedation.

Typical recovery timelines by procedure

Recovery varies by procedure, patient health, and the complexity of surgery. Below are general timelines to help set expectations.

Wisdom teeth removal

Mild-to-moderate swelling and discomfort are common for 2–5 days, with most patients returning to normal activities in 3–7 days. Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief, follow soft-food recommendations, and practice gentle oral hygiene. Detailed instructions are available on our wisdom teeth page: Wisdom Teeth Removal.

Dental implants and bone grafting

Initial healing typically takes 1–2 weeks for soft tissue, while osseointegration (bone bonding to the implant) may take 3–6 months. Bone grafts follow a similar timeline—soft tissue heals quickly, but bone remodeling requires months. Proper oral hygiene and follow-up visits help ensure implant success. Learn more about implants here: Dental Implants.

Corrective jaw surgery

Expect swelling to peak in the first 48–72 hours and gradually improve over several weeks. Patients usually follow a soft or liquid diet for 4–6 weeks, with return to normal activity as advised by your care team. Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery is commonly required—see our jaw surgery overview: Corrective Jaw Surgery.

Facial trauma and reconstructive surgery

Recovery depends on the severity of injury. Acute care is provided in the trauma setting, followed by staged reconstructive procedures as needed. Return visits assess healing, function, and need for further reconstruction. Read about our trauma services and clinic: Trauma Reconstruction and Clinics.

Oral cancer surgery

These procedures may involve tumor removal and reconstruction. Recovery is individualized and often coordinated with radiation and medical oncology. Our multidisciplinary programs with Providence and Legacy provide integrated care and access to clinical trials: Oral Cancer & Tumor Surgery, Clinics.

What are common risks and how are they managed?

All surgical procedures carry risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or need for additional treatment. HNSA surgeons use meticulous technique, evidence-based protocols, and close follow-up to minimize complications. If concerns arise, contact our office or your surgeon immediately. For urgent facial injuries, our trauma team is available through Legacy Emanuel’s program; clinic details are listed on our trauma pages.

How do I choose the right surgeon?

Look for board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced fellowship training when indicated. Our surgeons—such as Dr. Allen Cheng, Dr. Ashish Patel, Dr. Baber Khatib, Dr. Lance Thompson and Dr. Caitlin Magraw—bring dual degrees, specialized fellowships, and longstanding clinical experience in complex head and neck care. Read their bios to learn about their training and areas of expertise: Allen C. Cheng, Ashish A. Patel, Dr. Baber Khatib, Dr. Lance Thompson, and Dr. Caitlin Magraw.

Practical tips for a smooth recovery

  • Follow pre-op instructions about fasting and medications provided when you schedule your procedure via our Appointment page.
  • Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home after sedation or general anesthesia.
  • Stock soft foods, ice packs, and prescribed medications ahead of time.
  • Attend all follow-up visits and use our patient forms and resources to keep your care team informed: Patient Forms and Resources.

When should I call the clinic?

Contact us if you experience uncontrolled bleeding, fever, severe increasing pain despite medication, numbness that worsens, or signs of infection. For facial trauma and urgent injuries, our trauma clinic and hospital partners maintain around-the-clock readiness; see our trauma reconstruction information for details: Facial Trauma Reconstruction.

Next steps and how to connect

If you’re considering oral surgery, request an appointment online or call to schedule a consultation. Our clinics partner with Providence and Legacy Health to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care: Clinics. Referring providers can use our physician referral form for efficient coordination: Physician Referral.

Frequently asked questions

Will I have visible scars?

Most oral surgeries use internal incisions inside the mouth; external scars are uncommon. For procedures requiring external access, your surgeon will discuss cosmetic considerations.

How long before I can return to work?

Many patients resume light work within a few days after minor procedures; major surgeries like jaw reconstruction may require a few weeks off. Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan.

Can children be treated here?

Yes—our pediatric craniofacial and cleft team provides specialized care for infants and children: Cleft & Craniofacial Clinic.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our full range of services and schedule a consultation: Services and Request an Appointment.

Head & Neck Surgical Associates is the Northwest’s most specialized surgical practice, uniquely staffed by dual-degreed, board-certified physicians trained in both medicine and dentistry. Based in Portland, Oregon, our team offers expert care in head and neck surgery, oral and maxillofacial procedures, and facial cosmetic surgery—backed by advanced fellowships and decades of focused experience. Patients trust HNSA for precise diagnoses, complex surgical treatment, and comprehensive care from true leaders in their field. Learn more about our institute and training programs at the Head & Neck Institute: HN Institute.