Optimize healing and bone growth with these simple at home instructions from Dr. Chase Judd.
For the best outcome after your bone grafting surgery in Draper, Utah, follow these instructions at home:
After Surgery
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is to be expected. If bleeding is excessive, then place a pre-moistened piece of gauze over the extraction site with light pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding seems excessive or persists for more than 48 hours, then give our office a call.
- Bone Granules: It is normal to feel bone particles around the graft site for the first few days after surgery.
- Swelling: Some swelling is to be expected. Swelling can be minimized by applying ice packs to the cheek over which extraction was done 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the first few days.
- Do not disturb graft site: It is imperative for optimal results that the graft site remains undisturbed. Do not touch the site with your tongue or fingers.
- Medications: Be diligent in taking any pain medications as directed in the time intervals suggested.
- Rest: Planning to rest the day of surgery as well as taking it easy the day after surgery will help to optimize recovery. Avoid any activities that would cause your pulse or blood pressure to increase.
- Rinsing: You may begin rinsing the day after surgery with the prescribed mouth rinse twice a day. All rinses should be done for 30 seconds in a very gentle, non-vigorous manner. Instead of swishing, it is best to simply bathe the surgical sites in the rinse, holding it there for 30 seconds to a minute. For optimal healing, we recommend supplementing the antimicrobial rinse with salt water rinses four to five times per day.
- No Straws or Tobacco: In order to minimize the chances of “dry socket” avoid any sucking action or tobacco for two weeks while the area is healing.
- Hygiene: You may use a toothbrush and floss but avoid the graft site as to not disrupt the healing.
- Diet: Soft foods and liquids are best for healing the first few days after surgery. Avoid any foods that are temperature hot or spicy as they can disrupt healing. Do not eat on the graft site. When taking in liquids do not use a straw or any sucking action.
- Numbness: For the first few days, you may feel numbness of the gums around the site, this is normal and will resolve.
If there are additional questions about an extraction or bone graft, please call our office at (801) 571-6688. Our dentist and team can answer all of your questions.
