Care of the mouth after grafting or implant procedure

Richard M. Wagner DDS.
Care of the mouth after Grafting or Implant Procedure
The graft or implant area now needs to heal in place, which normally takes several months. We expect that
you should do well after your surgical care. On this sheet we have tried to address the most common concern
brought to our attention. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to call. In an emergency, after hours,
please listen to all the prompts and select the answering service to reach Dr. Wagner Directly. Do not leave
a general message unless it is a non-urgent matter.
BLEEDING/GAUZE: A folded gauze square may be placed over your surgical site apply soft biting
pressure. This can be changed every 20 to 30 minutes for the first hour. Remove gauze when eating,
drinking and sleeping. Remember, a small amount of bleeding is to be expected and normal. A small
amount of blood in the saliva is normal and may be visible for 1 to 2 days after surgery. Call our office if
unusual bleeding persists.
BRUSHING/ ORAL CARE: Brush your teeth as you normally would. Do not brush on the surgical site(s)
until healing is complete, and then gently.
SUTURES: May have been used during surgery usually dissolve in 3-5 days. If they dissolve early do not be
alarmed.
SWELLING: You can reduce possible swelling by applying an ice pack to your face. Intermittent
application is most effective (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off). Taking Aleve or Ibuprofen will do the most
to decrease swelling and inflammation at the sites.
NO SMOKING DURING THE ENTIRE HEALING PROCESS: For optimal healing, do not smoke.
Cigarette smoke contains irritants which can affect the healing process and can lead to implant rejection.
Smoking even one cigarette has been known to affect the healing process.
DISCOMFORT: A medication for discomfort is usually prescribed. Use it as directed. Alcoholic
beverages should not be used while taking narcotic pain medications. Also, appropriate caution should be
taken to avoid activities that require alertness while on pain medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as Aleve or Ibuprofen work at the surgical sites to decrease swelling and inflammation and reduce
discomfort. These can be used along with the pain medication. . Watch for stomach upset with these
medications. You should not use these drugs if you are on medications to thin your blood. If after 3 to 4
days slow improvement does not occur or if pain increases, this can be a sign of complications; and our
office should be notified.

DIET: Proper dietary intake is important for good healing. You can progress to a regular diet as you tolerate
it. Diet supplements (Carnation Instant Breakfast, Boost, Ensure etc.) are available through your pharmacy or
grocery stores and may be helpful if solid foods are not tolerated. Resume a normal diet as soon as possible.
Hard foods or foods with husks such as nuts and popcorn should be avoided as they can become stuck in the
surgical site.
NAUSEA: If anesthesia was received, and you experience nausea, try small amounts of carbonated drinks
(coke, Pepsi, 7-up) and bland food such as saltine crackers. Bonine or Dramamine II may help. If nausea
continues please call our office.
Our practice philosophy is one of high quality, comprehensive care with special attention to your comfort.

Source: http://www.jaw-doc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/grafting-implant-surgery.pdf