After Bone Grafting
Control of Bleeding
- Slight bleeding for the first 12-24 hours is normal after bone graft surgery.
- If bleeding still persists, use gauze (packet which was given to you).
- Place this gauze directly over the surgical site. Ask your relative or your friend to help you do this. Change the gauze every 20 minutes until bleeding stops. If bleeding still continues, bite on a moist tea bag for 1/2 hour.
- If profuse bleeding does not stop, call this office Renew Oral & Facial Surgical Centre Phone Number 780-439-4399)
- If wearing dentures, do not wear until notified by surgeon. After that wear as little as possible for next 2 weeks.
Control of Pain
- Pain after dental surgery can be quite severe for a day or two. Fill your prescription right away and take as prescribed before the numb feeling starts to wear off. Do not wait until the pain starts.
- Take medication as directed.
Warning
- Don’t take too many pain killers as their effect is limited, only take as prescribed. If you think you are in need of stronger pain killers, call this office or the hospital.
- Painkillers depress reaction time. Driving a car or working with machinery should be avoided for a minimum of 24 hours.
- If you develop a rash or hives, stop all medication and contact the office/hospital.
Control of Swelling
- As soon as you reach home, REST.
- Begin using ice packs on your face for the next 48 hours (2 days) then stop. Ice packed in a towel (or frozen vegetables) should be placed on the side of the face where surgery was done. Do not keep the ice on one place constantly to avoid freezing the area – 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. This helps reduce swelling.
- On the 3rd day, start warm compresses on the side of surgery – continue for 3-4 days.
- Swelling and bruising are common.
- Swelling should peak in 72 hours.
Nausea
- Nausea is normal after anesthesia.
- Small amounts of carbonated soda (ginger ale, etc.) are helpful. Vomiting can occur sometimes to get rid of blood you may have swallowed.
- If vomiting persists, call this office/hospital.
Oral Hygiene
- Do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours to massage surgical site gently with soft toothbrush. After that you can gently brush your teeth around the surgical site.
- Use a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and keep this warm water in your mouth until it cools and then spit it out. Do this several times a day for 3-4 days.
- Oral cleanliness (gently) is very important.
- If you receive a prescription for chlorhexidine rinse do not do salt rinses.
Diet
- Soft foods like jello, ice cream, milkshakes, eggs, yogurt, pasta and soups are encouraged.
- Avoid popcorn, rice, potato chips, hard foods and sandwiches.
- It is necessary that you have enough to eat and drink.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid hot liquids and/or food until all freezing is gone.
- Do NOT use a straw to drink.
Smoking
- If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking slows down healing.
Sutures
- Sutures are used routinely.
- Resorbable types need not be removed. Sutures will dissolve between 1-8 weeks.
Anesthesia
If you had IV anesthesia or general anesthesia for your surgery:
- A responsible adult should be with you for 24 hours after surgery.
- You are not allowed to drive an automobile or to operate machinery for 24 hours following your surgery.
- You should not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before and after your surgery.
- Avoid making any important decisions on signing any important documents for at least 24 hours after surgery or when taking pain medications.
- Please notify Renew Oral & Facial Surgical Centre of any unexpected admission to a hospital within 10 days of treatment at this facility.
If you have any other post operative concerns please call our office directly Renew Oral & Facial Surgical Centre Phone Number 780-439-4399.