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Instructions Following Bone Graft Surgery

  • Bleeding: It is normal to have slight oozing, seeping, or spotting of blood after any oral surgery procedure. If you experience excessive bleeding, please place gauze on the surgical site, apply firm pressure either by biting or with your fingers, and give us a call to discuss.
  • For 24 hours following your surgery: DO NOT suck on a straw, rinse, or spit. DO NOT smoke or vape for 72 hours after your surgery. Avoid hot and spicy foods as well as carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
  • Smoking, vaping, and tobacco products: Tobacco products have an adverse effect on would healing and implant survival. We strongly advise that you refrain from using these products for two weeks prior and three weeks after the surgery at a minimum. If you are ready to quit, please talk to Dr. Khader and she will work with your primary care provider to assist you in this process.
  • Numbness: Numbness around the lip, tongue, chin, and face are normal for 24 hours after surgery. If numbness persists following that timeframe, please call us to discuss your symptoms.
  • Tooth Brushing: You can brush your teeth the day of your surgery. Do NOT brush the surgical site until you are advised otherwise by your surgical team. After your follow-up appointment with your surgical team, we will advise you when you can start brushing the area normally again.
  • Diet: During the first few hours after surgery, restrict your diet to liquids, and cold and soft foods such as yogurt, apple sauce, and ice cream. You can slowly advance your diet the day after surgery to include soups, well cooked pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, …etc. Continue to advance your diet over the next few days. You should refrain from eating hard nuts, popcorn, or chips until advised by your surgical team.
    • Don’t chew on the bone graft site and don’t apply any pressure on that site until cleared to do so by your surgical team
  • If you wear dentures or retainers, please don’t use them until they are checked for fit over the bone graft by your surgical team or your referring dentist. You may need to refrain from wearing them for 3 weeks after your surgery to avoid any complications with your wound healing
  • Postsurgical Swelling and stiffness: Postsurgical swelling and stiffness is typically at its worst 48-72 hours after surgery. Applying a cold compress to the face near the surgical site will help minimize swelling. If using an ice pack, do not apply ice directly to your skin (and always place a cloth between the ice and your skin).  You may apply the cold compress for up to 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off as needed. After 48 hours, you can starting applying moist heat to aid in healing.
  • Activity: Restrict your activities on the day of your surgery. Avoid excessive work or play and resume normal activity the following day as tolerated.
  • Rinses: After the first day, gently rinse with warm salt-water three times a day. Make the rinse by dissolving one-half teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of water.
      • You will most likely be prescribed an antibiotic mouth wash. Please use that twice daily in addition to the salt-water rinses
  • Prescriptions: Please fill any prescriptions you have been given and take as directed. If you have been prescribed opioid pain medication (example: Vicodin, Norco, Oxycodone, Tramadol), DO NOT drive, operate heavy equipment, work around machinery or tools, or engage in any other activity that may be unsafe when groggy, as your reflexes and judgment will be affected by the medication.
  • Sutures: Sutures may have been placed. Most sutures placed by our office will dissolve on their own in 5-7 days. Even if your sutures did come out, please don’t miss your follow-up visit.
  • Bone graft material: Do not be alarmed if you see or feel some of the bone grafting material between your teeth. It is not uncommon for a small amount of bone graft material to escape the surgical site. It will feel like sand between your teeth.

Please call our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns. In the event of an emergency please call our office. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

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