Bone Graft

Today's procedure went well — thank you for your patience with it. Bone grafting is a foundational step, and how you care for the site over the next week or so makes a real difference in the outcome. These instructions are written to be simple and clear, so please read through them before the anesthesia fully wears off.

After your procedure

1. 1

   Don't touch or probe the site

   I know it's tempting, but please resist checking the graft area with your tongue or finger. The graft material needs to stay undisturbed to integrate properly. Even gentle pressure can displace it.

2. 2

   Bite on gauze as directed

   Keep gentle pressure on the gauze for at least 45 minutes. If oozing continues, replace with fresh gauze. Some blood-tinged saliva is normal for the first day.

3. 3

   No rinsing, spitting, or straws for 24 hours

   Any suction or pressure in your mouth can dislodge the graft. After 24 hours, you can rinse very gently with the prescribed mouth rinse or warm salt water.

4. 4

   Ice for the first 24 hours

   20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Swelling is expected and usually peaks around day 2 or 3. It should gradually improve from there.

5. 5

   Eat soft, cool or room-temperature foods

   Avoid anything crunchy, hard, or hot near the graft site. Cold foods like ice cream or yogurt can actually feel soothing. Chew on the opposite side whenever possible.

6. 6

   Take all prescribed medications

   Finish your antibiotics even if everything feels fine — this protects the graft. Take anti-inflammatories as directed to manage swelling.

7. 7

   Be gentle with oral hygiene

   Brush normally everywhere except directly at the graft site. Rinse with the prescribed rinse as directed — usually starting 24 hours after the procedure. Don't floss the treated area until I give you the OK.