After Bone Grafting
Following instructions after your bone-grafting surgery should help you make a speedy recovery. Should you have any concerns, the experienced team at Central New England Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is happy to answer any questions you may have about post-op care.
Bleeding
After your surgery we will place gauze on the area and have you firmly bite down for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, place a damp tea bag on the area and gently bite on down for 30 minutes—black tea contains tannic acid, which will help staunch bleeding by contracting the blood vessels in the area. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva may occur for up to three days after the procedure. If heavy bleeding continues, please call our office.
Pain and Swelling
Discomfort is common after any type of surgery. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications before local anesthesia wears off. Taking 800 mg of ibuprofen or other prescribed pain medication every six hours will help keep your pain level manageable. Placing an ice pack outside the area also can alleviate swelling and discomfort. It is common to experience some discoloration or bruising after surgery as well.
Taking Care Of Your Mouth
Many small particles of bone typically make up the material that is used for bone grafting. If you feel tiny granules of bone in your nose or mouth during the first several days after your procedure, don’t be alarmed—this is normal. If you have a removable prosthesis such as a partial denture, do not wear it immediately following your bone graft unless the doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
Make sure to finish any antibiotics that have been prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Avoid touching the surgery site. DO NOT use a straw, blow your nose or rinse vigorously, as this can dislodge blood clots that have formed. You may gently rinse with prescribed mouthwash and carefully brush your teeth on the night of your surgery, avoiding the surgery site. Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day, especially after eating. Keeping your mouth clean will facilitate healing. Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 48 hours after surgery.
Activity
Take it easy and rest when you return home from surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48-72 hours. You can get back to your normal activities when you feel comfortable.
Eating
Eating soft, nourishing foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt and soup will help you feel better and recover faster. Avoid eating seeds, nuts or anything hard, crunchy or sticky until the surgery site has fully healed. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, but avoid hot foods and liquids for the first 24 hours. If you experience nausea or vomiting, sip on some ginger ale.
You will return to the office in 7-10 days so we can make sure the area is healing properly and remove any non-dissolvable stitches. If you have questions or concerns after your bone-grafting surgery, please contact us.