Surgical Pre-Op/Post-Op Instructions

Dental Extraction/Bone Graft Post-Operative Instructions

1. Leave the gauze pads, inserted in the office, in place for 30-45 minutes. The gauze pads may be replaced if you notice persistent bleeding from the socket. Please note that a blood soaked gauze pad is not an indication of active bleeding. You should look in your mouth to determine if bleeding is active. Replace the gauze by folding new gauze into a tight square and placing it over the site. Continue to maintain pressure over the site for an additional 45 minutes. If bleeding is persistent, reduce activities and rest while keeping your head elevated.

2. The area where the procedure was performed will remain numb for a period of a few hours. To minimize discomfort following this procedure, please use the prescribed medications after eating a small amount of food.

3. If a bone graft was placed, it is very important not to disturb the bone graft. The bone graft is made up of many particles. You may find some small granules in your mouth for the first several days. This is not uncommon. To minimize the amount of particles that become dislodged:

Do not vigorously rinse or spit for 7 days.
Do not use a straw until the area is healed.
Do not apply FIRM pressure to the grafted area because the graft is movable during the initial healing stage (first two weeks).

4. Do not lift or pull up your lip to look at the stitches; this may actually create damage and tear the dissolvable stitches. The stitches will dissolve within 7-10 days.

5. Do not rinse your mouth the day of surgery. The day following surgery we recommend rinsing frequently with warm salt water. PLEASE AVOID COMMERCIAL MOUTH RINSES FOR THE FIRST WEEK UNLESS THEY WERE PRESCRIBED BY OUR OFFICE.

6. We recommend a soft diet and liquids for a few days or until you feel comfortable to return to your normal diet. Please avoid hot or spicy foods for the first 24 hours.

7. IF YOU SMOKE, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SMOKING FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

8. Some soreness is expected following this procedure. This discomfort should decrease each day and you may be able to substitute a milder pain medication for the one that was prescribed.

9. If antibiotics are prescribed please take them as instructed.

10. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality oral surgery care. If you have any questions concerning the procedure, or your postoperative care, please call the office.