After Free Gingival Graft Procedure

Print Page

• Keep bandages in for 2 hours with good pressure using the "thumb sucking" technique that you have been shown.  Then remove bandages and check surgical area for bleeding.  If bleeding persists, place a dampened fresh gauze over the area with good pressure, again using the "thumb sucking" technique for 1 hour.  Repeat for 1 more hour if needed.  Place gauze directly over the area on your palate.   DO NOT rub or slide gauze over this area.  You will only remove any clotting that has occurred and cause more bleeding.  If bleeding is heavy and you cannot get the area to clot, contact our office or go to the ER if we cannot be reached.   Bleeding can occur up to two weeks after surgery so we have sent you home with extra gauze in case this happens.  If we have made you a mouth guard, you will use it when you eat for the next 1- 2 weeks to avoid bleeding on the roof of your mouth.  
• Drink plenty of liquids, but try to avoid liquids with caffeine in them.  They will only dehydrate you more. 
• Once the bleeding has stopped, get something to eat.  If we have fabricated a stent for you, wear the stent when you eat to avoid agitation to the palate where your graft was harvested from.   Make sure you stick to softer foods for the next few weeks as the surgical areas 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 sharp as these might increase your discomfort or healing time.  DO NOT bite into anything for the next few weeks, as you might harm the graft.  The graft is very fragile and sensitive.  Any trauma to this area might cause the graft to fail.  
• No spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 48 hrs.
• Begin brushing and salt water rinsing ( tsp salt with 8oz of warm water) the day AFTER surgery.   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.  Use the Peridex rinse as directed also.  You cannot eat for 30 minutes after you rinse.
• Some swelling might occur and is a normal part of the surgical and healing process.  Ice the area for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for 72 hours.  Take prescribed medicine as directed, but try to wait until you are tolerating solid food.  The medicine, especially the one for pain, can cause you to have nausea or vomiting.  Having some food in your stomach may help to prevent this.
• If you have dissolvable sutures, they can take 3-4 weeks to dissolve, give or take some time.  Try not to pick or prod at them as your 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 them for you at that time.
• You have a gingival packing over the graft site.  This is to help protect this area.  Try to leave the pack on until your 1 week follow up appointment.  Dr. Ford will remove it at that time.  Should the packing come off sooner, DO NOT try to place the packing back over the graft area, however, you will still need to come in and be seen for your follow up appointment.
• 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 (including ATV???s, dirt bikes, etc.) 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, dizziness or even fainting.  Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may increase your reaction to alcohol and could be dangerous.