A bone grafting procedure has just been completed for you. Sutures have been placed to hold the tissues together during healing. Two weeks after surgery the sutures will be removed and you will be examined by the doctor.

Usually you are able to continue wearing your present partial or flipper. Sometimes it is necessary to leave it in the night of surgery. It is important to keep appliances as clean as possible during the healing period. You may need to use denture adhesive to hold your partial or denture in place during healing. Avoid placing adhesive directly on the suture line.

Every consideration must be given to keep the surgical site clean and free of food particles. The following are instructions for your mouth care after surgery.

• If an oral sedative has been given to you, you are not allowed to drive a car or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following. It is advised to have someone with you during that time period, or until your sedation completely wears off.
• NO SMOKING. Smoking is to be avoided for the time specified by Dr. Kile since it increases the heat in the surgical area and significantly lowers the body’s ability to heal.
• Avoid alcohol, commercial mouth rinses and very hot fluids and foods for 30 hours after your surgery. Room temperature to cold is adequate.
• RINSING: Gentle rinsing of the mouth should be started the day after surgery. Frequent GENTLE rinsing with lukewarm salt water will aid the healing process and maintain cleanliness. Add ½ teaspoon of salt to 6 ounces glass of water. Avoid using a water pik.
• Brush adjacent teeth to the surgical site gently. You can brush the rest of your mouth normally.
• Pain: a certain amount of pain is to be expected with all types of surgery.
  • A pain medication has been prescribed for you, take it as directed. It is advised that you do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking the medication.
  • Motrin/Ibuprofen/Advil- these are all the same type of medication. Please take 600mg every 4 to 6 hours following your surgery for 3 days. This type of medication is not only for pain but is an anti-inflammatory as well, which will help with swelling. If you are not able to take this type of medication, take Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg every 4 to 6 hours for 3 days.
• Swelling: Some swelling is to be expected and possible bruising may occur and is not unusual. In most cases swelling can be prevented or controlled. Please use an ICE PACK- applied to the outside of your face on the surgery side for 20 MINUTES ON AND 20 MINUTES OFF FOLLOWING YOUR PROCEDURE. It is best to use the ice pack for 24 to 48 hours, following your surgery. If after 3 days you still have swelling or pain, please call our office. IF URGENT and it is after hours, call our office and an emergency number will be provided or your call will be forwarded. If not please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.
• Bleeding: You will experience a small amount of bleeding and this is normal. If it is excessive (blood filling your entire mouth within seconds) please call our office.
• Blowing Your Nose: DO NOT blow your nose, just wipe. If necessary, blow very gently with both nostrils open. If you need to sneeze, do not hold it in, but sneeze with your mouth open. NO VIGOROUS RINSING, SPITTING, OR SUCKING THROUGH A STRAW FOR 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR SURGERY. IT WILL PROLONG HEALING TIME.