Wound Care To ensure proper healing, do not disturb the surgical site on the day of your procedure. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the area to prevent disruption of the healing process. If bone grafting was performed, be especially careful not to disturb the site. Refrain from using your tongue to probe or manipulate the area. It is normal to sometimes feel small particles from the bone graft.
Bleeding Mild bleeding or slight redness in saliva is common within the first 24 hours after surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs, where your mouth fills with blood rapidly, place a gauze pad directly over the wound and apply firm pressure by biting down for 30 minutes. Replace the gauze as needed. If bleeding persists despite these measures, contact our office for further instructions. Once the bleeding has subsided, gauze is no longer necessary.
Swelling Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically peaks 2–3 days after surgery before gradually subsiding over the following 3–5 days. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the affected cheek area as frequently as possible for the first 24–36 hours. If swelling increases beyond the third post-operative day, contact our office immediately.
Diet Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but avoid hot beverages or foods for the first 24 hours. Stick to a soft food and liquid diet on the day of surgery. For at least two weeks following the procedure, keep solid foods away from the surgical site to prevent disruption and potential loss of graft material.
Pain Management Begin taking pain medication before the local anesthetic wears off. For moderate discomfort, take one or two Regular Strength Tylenol® (325 mg) every six hours, ensuring you do not exceed 2600 mg within a 24-hour period. Alternatively, you may take over-the-counter Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) in 200 mg doses, with 3–4 tablets every 4–6 hours as needed (maximum of 3200 mg per day). If a prescription pain medication was provided, follow the instructions carefully and do not take additional Tylenol® if your prescribed medication contains acetaminophen (APAP). If you have allergies or a medical condition that restricts your ability to take these medications, consult your doctor before use.
Antibiotics Take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
Oral Hygiene Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for proper healing. Starting the day after surgery, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) at least 4–5 times per day, particularly after meals. If prescribed Peridex™ Oral Rinse, use it twice daily by swishing for 30 seconds and spitting it out. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding direct contact with the surgical site. Flossing may be resumed immediately if comfortable, but avoid flossing areas with sutures.
If sutures were placed, they are typically dissolvable and will fall out naturally within the first week. If non-dissolvable sutures were used, you will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment for removal.
Activity Restrictions Limit physical activity immediately after surgery. Strenuous exercise can cause increased bleeding and discomfort. If you experience throbbing or continued bleeding during activity, stop exercising and allow your body time to heal. Keep in mind that post-surgical dietary restrictions may also temporarily reduce your energy levels.
Use of Prosthetic Devices If you wear a partial denture, flipper, or full denture, avoid using it immediately after surgery. You may resume wearing it once it is comfortable, provided it does not apply pressure to the grafted site. If you are uncertain whether your prosthesis is safe to use, consult our office for guidance.
Following these instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office for further assistance.