Bone Grafting

After Your Surgery

Postoperative Instructions

Please refrain from disturbing the bone graft area in any way and avoid biting down, brushing or placing anything over the graft.

FOOD: Do not chew food in the area where the bone graft was placed.

GRAFT PARTICLES: A barrier or suture was placed over the graft to prevent particles from falling out. It is common to experience the loss of a few small, sand-like particles just from daily function.

HYGIENE: Keep the graft area clean using warm saltwater rinses starting the day after surgery. Gentle brushing on adjacent teeth can begin the day after surgery.

GAUZE: Remove the gauze pack in 30 minutes, provided this was not done in the office.

RINSING: Do not rinse your mouth the day of surgery. After 24 hours, rinse gently with a solution of warm salt water every four hours and after every meal. Mix one cup of warm water with ½ teaspoon salt. Continue rinses until your post-op appointment. Saltwater rinsing after every meal is essential for wound healing.

PAIN: You may take three (200 mg) ibuprofen or Motrin® every six hours as necessary for pain in addition to your Vicodin® or NORCO® as we have instructed. Do not take supplemental TYLENOL® with NORCO, only ibuprofen/Motrin. Pain medication should always be taken with food. DO NOT TAKE PAIN MEDICATION ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. To coat the stomach, eat soft foods such as a fruit smoothie, yogurt, scrambled eggs, pudding, applesauce, etc.

BLEEDING: A certain amount of bleeding is expected following the removal of teeth. If bleeding or oozing persists after the initial gauze is removed, place another gauze pack over the extraction site and bite down for 30 minutes. Repeat this for up to two hours or until slightly oozing. If bleeding persists beyond two hours, please call our office. Slight oozing can be normal and may continue for a day or two, and your saliva may be light pink.

SWELLING: To reduce ordinary postoperative swelling, apply an ice pack to the face, over the extraction site, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Do this as much as possible for the first two days only. The swelling usually peaks on the third day. Do not apply heat within the first 48 hours.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA: The surgical area may be numb for four to six hours from the local anesthesia injection.

DIET: A liquid or soft diet is recommended for at least the first 24 hours. Do not disturb the sockets during the first day. After the first day, you can begin eating soft foods to your tolerance, avoiding things with small particles or seeds. Drink plenty of fluids but DO NOT USE A STRAW for one week.

SMOKING: Absolutely NO smoking for at least 48 hours. Smoking will severely delay healing.

DENTURES/PARTIAL: You may or may not be wearing your denture or partial when leaving the office. Most importantly, be clear on your instructions as to when a denture or partial can be worn. This varies for every patient.

If you experience a problem with your bone graft in Placerville or El Dorado Hills, California, or have questions about your aftercare, our oral surgeon, Dr. Jason Straw, and our team at True Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery can help. Contact our office.