EXTRACTION & BONE GRAFT POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Care of the mouth after oral surgery has an important effect upon healing.  Swelling, discomfort, restricted jaw function and cheek discoloration is expected, and need not cause alarm.  These may be minimized by the following instructions. It is strongly urged that they be followed.

1. Bleeding Control: Remove the gauze pack upon arriving home.  If bleeding is excessive, place a roll of sterile gauze or a moistened tea bag over the wound and bite firmly for 30 minutes with CONSTANT PRESSURE, repeat as needed but remember a small amount of bleeding is expected. Avoid spitting; this may cause bleeding to reoccur.

2. Pain Control and/or Antibiotic: Have your prescriptions filled and take as directed on the package. If you develop hives or rash, discontinue all medications and immediately contact our office at 426-6135 or 471-7422 (after hours).

3. Swelling Control: Apply an ice pack to the jaw IMMEDIATELY upon your return home, 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.  This may be continued several times a day for several days if necessary.

4. Diet:  A soft food, high in protein and vitamins, is wise the day of surgery, and may be necessary for several days after surgery.  Return to your normal diet as soon as it is comfortable. No straws as these will disrupt healing.

5. Oral Hygiene: The teeth may be brushed but avoid the site of surgery. You may begin to rinse one week after extraction and graft with warm salt water after each meal. Avoid vigorous rinsing for one week after surgery as it may dislodge the membrane and or bone graft material. Avoid using a Waterpik water flosser. Avoid smoking.

6. Sutures: You have received sutures that will resorb or dissolve on their own. You will not need to return for suture removal. The texture/color of the sutures will change during healing.

                       Vicryl – These sutures will last on average 30 days.

                       Chromic – These sutures will last approximately 4-7 days.

7. Bone Graft Material: Is white and granular in appearance, similar to sand. The site was over packed with bone graft material, and it will be normal to feel a few particles come out of the site from time to time over the next few weeks. This is normal and to be expected

8. Do not drive any vehicle or operate any machinery for the next 24 hours or while taking narcotic pain medications.

HAVE AVAILABLE A RESPONSIBLE AND CAPABLE PERSON TO HELP YOU.    SHOULD PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS ARISE, CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 426-6135 (normal office hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm, Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm).  After normal office hours call 471-7422.