After Bone Graft

• After having a bone graft you should keep the bandages in for 2 hours with good pressure.  Then remove the bandages and check the surgical area for bleeding.  If the bleeding persists, place fresh gauze over the area with good pressure for 1 hour.  Repeat this for 1 more hour if needed.

• Drink plenty of liquids, but try to avoid liquids with caffeine in them.  They will only continue to dehydrate you.

• Once the bleeding has stopped, get something to eat.  Make sure you stick to softer foods for the next few weeks as your surgical area might be tender.  You can move on to more solid foods as you heal and have less discomfort.  Make sure your food isn't too hot, cold, spicy, or crunchy as these might increase your discomfort or healing time.  Avoid eating in the area of the bone graft.

• No spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 48 hours.

• Begin using the Peridex rinse the day AFTER surgery.  Use it once in the morning and once at night.  Make sure to have nothing to eat or drink for 30 minutes after the Peridex.  Peridex can dause staining on your teeth.  It is not permanent and can be cleaned by your regular dentist.  Also begin brushing and salt water rinsing (1/2 teaspoon of salt with an 8 oz. glass of warm water) the day AFTER surgery.  You can use the salt water rinses in between the Peridex rinse 3-4 times a day, after you eat and before you go to bed at night for the next several weeks, or until the surgical area has healed completely.

• Ice the area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for 72 hours.  Take your prescribed medicine as directed.

• If you have dissolvable sutures, they can take up to 3-4 weeks to dissolve.  Try not to pick or prod at them as you might irritate the surgical site.  If you do not have dissolvable sutures, you will be given a follow up appointment to come back and we will remove the sutures at that time.

• Some bruising may occur, but don't be alarmed.  This is a normal part of surgery and the healing process.

• If you wear an appliance (denture, flipper, or partial) make sure the appliance is not tight and/or putting pressure on the surgical area.  If you find that there is tightness and/or pressure, discontinue wearing the appliance and please contact the office.

• Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared.  Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours.  You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia.  Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers.  Watch out for dizziness.  Walk slowly and take your time.  Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea or dizziness.  Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may cause your reaction to alcohol to be dangerous.

• The bandage that is on your chin should stay there for 48 hours.  This is compressed pressure and will help prevent a hematoma in your surgical site.