Post-Operative Instructions for Bone Grafting

If you received a bone graft, then do not use chlorohexidine mouth rinse or any other rinses. Just use a saltwater mixture.

What to Expect Following Surgery

• Bleeding: You may notice small amounts of blood, which can make your saliva red. This is completely normal and can be noticed throughout the rest of the day of your procedure.
• Pain: Slight discomfort may be noticed once your anesthetic wears off, which can continue you’re a few days.
• Swelling: Some slight discoloration and swelling of the lip and/or cheek may last for several days after your procedure.
• Sensation: You may experience temporary loss of feeling in the gums of the areathat was operated on, and you also may feel sensitivity when your teeth come in contact with hot or hold temperatures.

What to Do After Surgery

• Once you leave our dental office, it’s important to rest, avoiding exercise and strenuous activities for the rest of your day.
• Take two Tylenol, Nuprin, Advil, or a similar non-aspirin pain medication ever 3 to 4 hours until bedtime—or when you feel comfortable. You should also take this medication before your anesthesia wears.
• If we prescribe you with pain medication, take it as needed—don’t go over the prescription limit.
• Take your medication with food or milk to avoid upsetting your stomach.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery as well as consuming alcohol while taking pain medication.
• Nausea is common, but it’s most often caused by taking pain medication on an empty stomach. You can reduce the likelihood of this issue by eating soft foods and taking the medication with a large glass of water.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 15 minutes on your face and 15 minutes off for the first day.
• Maintain a balanced, soft food diet for the first 2 to 4 days. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours.
• Avoid drinking through a straw for the first few days.
• Brush all your teeth after each meal but avoid the affected area for the first day—be careful ot to pull your sutures.
• Do not use a Waterpik® or rinse vigorously.
• Use a saltwater solution— ½ teaspoon of salt combined with ½ teaspoon of soda, and 8 ounces of warm water. Hold the solution in your mouth for about 2 to 3 every hour to increase your comfort level.

Avoid blowing your nose or playing any wind musical instruments for one week if your sinus was involved in the procedure. You should also refrain from lifting your lip with your fingers to look at the area because this could potentially tear your sutures and delay the healing process.

Stop smoking and using tobacco products after your surgery. The success of surgery and the speed of your healing process is at risk when you but chemicals from tobacco in your body.

If we give you an antibiotic, take the entire medication as prescribed even if you don’t noticed any symptoms. For women, it’s important to know that some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control medication, which is why you should use an alternative form of contraception for about two months. You may also be prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse, which should be used as instructed.

Return to our dental office for follow up appointments and suture removal as directed. You should contact us right away if you experience:

• Uncontrollable pain
• Severe bleeding
• Marked fever
• Warm swelling that excessively occurs a few days after your procedure
• Reactions to medications like itching, rash, or difficulty breathing

By following these instructions carefully, you can promote healing and provide yourself with pain relief. You may have significant discomfort and even affect the success of your procedure if you don’t follow these steps.