Post-Op: Bone Grafting
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. Be as gentle as you can around the bone grafting area and avoid pressure on the graft site.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. Change the gauze pad every 30 minutes as needed. In general, use as little pressure as is needed. If excessive bleeding continues, please call for further instructions. Remove the gauze when it is no longer needed.
Swelling
Swelling is normal after surgery. To minimize it, apply a cold or ice pack on the cheek over the surgical area for the first 48 hours. Swelling generally peaks at 36–72 hours and then usually begins to go down.
Pain Control
Ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) taken together are our main protocol for pain control and are usually enough.
Sometimes a narcotic pain medication may be needed. If one is prescribed, take it with food, as directed.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid very hot liquids and foods. Stick to soft foods and liquids on the day of surgery. Do not chew on the graft site.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.
Smoking
Please do not smoke. Complication rates of up to 50% are reported in smokers who have bone grafting.
Activity
Keep physical activity to a minimum right after surgery.
Wearing Your Prosthesis
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be worn immediately after surgery. You may wear them as soon as it is comfortable, but only if the prosthesis doesn't touch the graft site.