Surgical Instructions

Bone Grafts

Pain

You will be given prescriptions for pain medication and directions how to use them. Pain usually peaks 48 hours after surgery and then gradually decreases over the course of the next week.

Antibiotics

You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic and directions how to use it.

Adverse Reactions

Call the office if you experience problems with any of your prescribed medications.

Swelling/Bruising

Swelling and bruising can occur at the graft and/or donor site. It will usually peak out 48 hours after the surgery and then gradually diminish over the next 7-10 days. Ice packs placed over the affected area will help decrease swelling

Sinus Issues

With sinus lift bone grafts you may experience a bloody nose for 1-2 days, and possibly feel congested. This normally passes within one week with the use of antibiotics and an over the counter decongestant. Avoid blowing your nose or creating pressure in your sinus for several weeks.

Sutures

A combination of dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures are used during grafting procedures. Retained sutures will be removed at your postoperative visit.

Oral Care

Rinse with PerioGuard twice daily or as instructed. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the incision site.

Exposure of Graft Material

Occasionally some portion of the bone graft materials become exposed in the mouth during the healing phase. Please call the office if this occurs so we may advise you if there is any concern and if we need to see you in the office for evaluation.

Wearing Prosthetics

In general, it is best if dentures and partials are left out of your mouth as much as possible to avoid pressure on the graft site. Your doctor will discuss if and when you can wear your prosthesis with you at the time of surgery and at your post op visits.