Bone Graft

BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you will be biting on a gauze pad to control bleeding. Keep slight pressure on this gauze for at least 30 minutes. Do not change the gauze during this time as it needs to remain undisturbed while a clot forms in the extraction site. After 30 minutes you may remove the gauze; however, if bleeding continues, replace the gauze for an additional 30 minutes. Small amounts of blood in the saliva is normal for the rest of the day after the procedure.

SMOKING: Smoking should be stopped prior to and following surgery. Healing and success of the graft will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke.

PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain, take Tylenol, Advil or similar non- aspirin pain reliever every 4 to 6 hours until bedtime to maintain comfort. Begin taking it before the anesthesia wears off. If prescription pain medicine is prescribed, take it as instructed. Do not exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

NAUSEA: This is most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. You can reduce nausea by eating soft food prior to taking the medication, as well as drinking a large glass of water with the medication. If
nausea medications are given, take them as instructed, being sure to not exceed the dose on the label.

SWELLING: Apply an ice bag covered in a thin towel to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes for the remainder of the first day.

NUMBNESS: The local anesthetic will cause numbness for several hours after leaving the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch or scratch the numb area. This procedure may cause residual numbness or singling for six weeks or longer which is normal in most cases.

BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. You may then brush your teeth gently, being careful to avoid the surgical area.

RINSING: Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after your procedure. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water). Do not use over the counter mouth rinse! You may also be instructed to use a prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse.

DIET: Eat soft foods (see list below) for the first two days. Return to normal balanced meals as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

FOODS TO EAT & DRINK WHILE NUMB:
Drink: Eat:
– Water – Applesauce
– Juice – Jell-O
– Ice Chips – Yogurt
– Pedialyte (pediatrics) – Milkshake (no straw)

SOFT FOODS WHEN NUMBNESS IS GONE:
Mashed Potatoes
Pancakes
Pasta
Creamed Cereals
Eggs
Soups (be careful – not too hot)

You may increase diet as tolerated.

ACTIVITY: Following your procedure, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.

ANTIBIOTICS: If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are gone.
Remember!

Please do NOT play with the surgery area with your fingers or tongue
Do NOT pull up or down on the lip or cheek to look at the area and do NOT have someone else look at the area as this could actually tear the sutures damaging the wound. PLEASE LEAVE IT ALONE!!

Avoid extremely hot foods. Cold foods such as ice cream or shakes are OK.
Do NOT avoid cleaning the area. You can take a q-tip and dip it in hydrogen peroxide or just water and gently clean the site. Do not avoid brushing your teeth but stay away from the site with the toothbrush. Let comfort be your guide.

If a partial denture or a flipper was placed in your mouth, you will probably have to have it adjusted to learn how to remove and replace it appropriately. In some cases you will be advised not to wear it during the healing process.
Most times the sutures that are placed need to remain for 2-4 weeks and in some cases, even longer.

If a CollaPlug was placed during your procedure, it will come out several days later. As the area begins to heal the plug will come out. Its appearance is a jelly-like substance. This is normal and is to be expected.

If a non-resorbable barrier membrane was placed, this is to stay in place until the doctor removes it along with the sutures. It is a white sheet that wraps over the site to aide in the healing process.

PLEASE CALL our office if you have any of the following symptoms or any questions regarding the above instructions:

• Uncontrollable pain
• Excessive or severe bleeding
• Marked fever
• Excessive warm swelling a few days or more following procedure
• Reactions to medications, especially rash, itching or breathing difficulty

Wishing you a quick recovery and good health in times ahead!