After Bone Grafting

• The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.
• Bed rest the day of surgery is advised, particularly if intravenous medications were used. You cannot drive or engage in any activity that requires hand and eye coordination for twenty-four (24) hours following surgery after sedation or general anesthesia as this could result in injury.
• Gauze possibly (sometime we don’t) has been placed over the grafted area and should be kept in place for about 1/2 hour after you arrive home. Some bleeding is normal and is to be expected. You will normally experience a slight oozing of blood, which may color the saliva pink or red for 24 to 36 hours. Gauze must be removed when you go to sleep, and also to take medications and liquids/foods. Repeat once if necessary and if active brisk bleeding continues, call our office.
• DO NOT disturb the area with toothbrush, tooth picks, or in any means disrupt the grafted site. If food gets caught in the site leave it alone until your follow-up appointment. Do not rinse your mouth if you have had a bone graft as you can dislodge the graft. If you have questions about what to do call the doctor and ask.
• Begin your prescribed anti-inflammatory medication (Motrin - if given) before the local anesthesia (numbness) wears off; (usually 2-4 hours after surgery although some long lasting anesthesia can last 6-10 hours) but only after you have had something to eat. Narcotic pain medications should be taken regularly at the prescribed times only if you are having pain; usually at (4) four to six (6) hour intervals the day of surgery. For mild to average pain you may use any Tylenol, non-aspirin type medication you like, but only if you are not taking a narcotic that has Tylenol in it.
• Tooth brushing can be started 24 hours after surgery but do not rinse vigorously. Do not use a straw for beverages for four days following surgery.
• DO NOT smoke for a minimum of 7 days following surgery, as you will greatly increase your chances of postoperative infection, loss of the bone graft, dry socket, and significant pain.
• An ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the face at the site of surgery for the first day of surgery. Apply ice the second day also for at least half the day. Liquids and soft diet are advisable during the first twenty-four (24) hours following surgery. Begin your normal diet as soon as possible.
• If you are on birth control pills, it is important that you understand that you are at risk for pregnancy while on antibiotics due to drug interactions, (alternate methods of birth control are necessary). If given antibiotics to treat infection, be sure you take the antibiotic pills as directed until all the medication is used (usually 7 to 10 days).
• You will need to schedule a postoperative appointment approximately one (1) week following surgery. Please call the office (699-5900) to set up this appointment, if it has not already been set up.
• If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once.