After Socket Preservation/ Bone graft

SURGICAL SITE CARE:

Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction and will continue to increase for three days post surgery. Use ice packs (externally) on the cheek near the surgical site. Apply ice for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for the first 24 hours while you are awake. After 24 hours, applying a warm, moist compress can help reduce swelling and also help promote healing. Keeping your head elevated for the first 24-48 hours will help decrease swelling, bleeding and discomfort. 

The ice pack should ONLY be used for the first 24 hours after surgery.  

Do not smoke, spit, drink alcohol or use a straw the first week after surgery.

DIET:

Start with a soft diet the first day.  Cold, soft foods such as ice cream, pudding, jello or yogurt may be the most soothing and helpful.  Advance your diet as tolerated. Rest is recommended the first day.

ORAL HYGIENE:

Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. Use the Chlorhexidine rinse the day after surgery, after breakfast and after dinner for only 2 weeks. Gently swish and let the rinse fall out of your mouth (avoid spitting). Brush your teeth gently and regularly. You may use 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water in place of the Chlorhexidine rinse.

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.

Do not use Listerine, Scope or any mouth rinses that contain alcohol for two weeks. 

A specially prepared cadaver bone graft has been placed into the extraction site to help preserve your jawbone in preparation for the implant. Your bone graft is made up of many particles. You may find some small granules in your mouth during the first several days after surgery. Do not be alarmed by these; it is normal to have some of them come out of the graft and into your mouth. There are some things you can do to minimize the number of particles that become dislodged and help promote an excellent graft result:

• Do not disturb or touch the wound.
• Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area, as the material is movable during the initial healing.
• Avoid chewing or creating pressure on the graft site.