What to Expect
After your bone graft/augmentation surgery in San Diego, California, you may experience discomfort, bleeding, bruising or swelling. This is normal, but we hope that by following the tips and directions below your recover can proceed as planned.
It is possible that you will notice excess bone particles coming from the grafted area. Do not be alarmed; this is normal and will not negatively affect your bone graft/augmentation.
Discomfort
After your operation and before the numbness wears off, you may take two tablets of over-the-counter Advil, Motrin or Tylenol. Do not take Aspirin. After the numbness wears off, you can take two tablets of the aforementioned medications every six hours as needed to control the pain. If needed, you can take pain medication every three hours by alternating between Advil and Tylenol. Make sure not to take medications on an empty stomach.
If you are prescribed any antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication, be sure to take it as directed in order to facilitate healing. If you are prescribed any pain medication, only take it as needed for severe discomfort and discontinue taking the pain medication when it is no longer needed or a few days after surgery. Dispose of any remaining pain medication.
Bleeding
It is normal for some blood to color your saliva after your operation. If blood starts to ooze around the surgery site, you can control it by holding ice water over the affected area for a few minutes. Do not rinse the area.
You can minimize bleeding by resting upright in a chair and avoiding any strenuous activity. If you experience continuous bleeding, take two folded gauze pads or moistened tea bags. Place one pad or bag on each side of the surgical site (one on next to your tongue, the other next to your cheek). Firmly press the pads or bags with your thumb and index finger for 20 minutes and repeat as needed. If bleeding continues, please call Dr. David Chotiner.
Swelling
Swelling after surgery will be greatest for the first 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. To help with the swelling, take an ice bag and place it on the side of your face for 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off, repeating this pattern for the first six hours after your procedure. Ice compresses may continue to be used for up to 48 hours, if needed to reduce swelling.
For the first two nights after surgery, elevate your head (if possible). This can be done by using an extra pillow or a blanket to raise your head.
If you are prescribed steroid medication, be sure to take it as directed. For your health, it is very important that you complete the prescription as instructed.
Diet
To aid in your recovery, for the first 24 hours after your procedure, try to consume only fluids or soft foods. Hot food should be avoided. Acceptable foods include yogurt, ice cream, eggs, cool soups and pasta. For the first few days, be sure to drink at least eight large glasses of water or juice daily. Tomato and orange juices are great choices due to their vitamin C, which helps in recovery.
A nutritious diet will help in your recovery. Consuming well-balanced meals will help you feel less stressed and therefore less susceptible to pain.
Avoid smoking and alcohol while recovering.
Oral Hygiene
As always, it is important to keep your teeth clean. Continue brushing other areas of your mouth as normal but brush the teeth in the surgery site with gentle care. After the first day, begin rinsing the affected area with warm saltwater three times a day or after every meal. The saltwater solution can be made by combining one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. The saltwater rinses should be maintained for one week or until the area is fully healed. You may be given a prescription rinse to help you in the healing process.
Activity
For the rest of the day after your surgery, please relax to aid your healing. For the first 48 hours after the surgery, avoid significant physical activity and exercise.
If you experience any issues or if you have any questions, please call Coastal Dental Arts at 619-858-8080.