After Bone Grafting

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid touching the wound on the day of surgery.

Do not chew directly on the site for 90 days. Hygiene at the surgical site  is limited to rinsing only until your check-up visit. Brush and floss one-tooth-away from the graft site. Avoid pressures on any visible membranes or graft material.

Bleeding at Grafted Sites / Sinus Grafts

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 placing direct pressure with a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for one hour. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Sinus Bone Grafting;  While bleeding in the mouth can be controlled by direct pressure, sometimes there may be some bleeding that goes into the sinus after bone grafting in the sinus that may result in a slight nose bleed.  This is usually self limiting and may occur for a day or two. Using a nasal decongestant (such a Claritin) may help in keeping the sinus clear.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag on the cheek of the area of surgery. Apply the ice for 20 minutes on and off as much as possible for the first 48 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery chewing in areas away from the surgical site. Try to eat away from the dental implant or bone grafted area(s) for 2-3 weeks.

Pain

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken as directed or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken as directed.  Do not take if allergic to the medications.

For severe pain, take prescribed pain medication as directed. The prescribed pain medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call our office.

Antibiotics

If indicated, be sure to take prescribed antibiotics as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm water rinses should be used at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals. The protective caps (healing abutments) over dental implants can be gently brushed.   Do not brush bone grafted areas for 2-3 weeks. Antibacterial rinses may be used. Be gentle brushing around any adjacent teeth.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. During exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery unless they have been adjusted to accommodate the surgical site.