Instructions for your Comfort following Graft Surgery

The following information has been prepared to help answer the questions you may have regarding the surgical procedure which has just been performed. Please read the instructions carefully. Our experience has shown them to be very helpful.

  1. Comfort: When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some discomfort from the operation. If penicillin or other antibiotics are necessary, we will give you a prescription. (Please continue taking the antibiotics until finished). If you should have any type of reaction to the prescribed medication (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash-hives), please call us.

  2. Dressing: A dressing may be placed over the graft area. If a large section of the dressing should come off, break, or become loose, please call the office to have it replaced. If you have a removable bridge and it has been seated over the dressing, DO NOT remove it. If you have a dressing on the roof of your mouth and it should fall off, apply Orabase with benzocaine (can be found at your pharmacy without a prescription) to the roof of your mouth with a Q-tip when needed. Milk of Magnesia diluted with water will help take the sting or burning sensation away also.

  3. Swelling: Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the outside of your face alternating on/off at approximately 15 minute intervals for the first 24-48 hours, then replace with warm, moist compresses after at least 48 hours (e.g. hot, moist washcloth or a hot wet towel over a hot water bottle). SWELLING IS NOT UNUSUAL EVEN UP TO 72 HOURS AFTER SURGERY.

  4. Bleeding: Some minor oozing is normal for several hours following surgery. If some bleeding continues, place gauze pads (do not use cotton balls) or a moistened, fresh tea bag against the surgical site with gentle pressure for 20 minutes - without removing for inspection. If the bleeding does not stop or the bleeding should become heavy, please call the office.

  5. Oral Hygiene: Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (8 oz. water + 1/2 teaspoon salt) twice a day. If you were prescribed a mouth rinse, use it instead of salt water. Brushing should be continued in the non-treated areas o your mouth. Avoid brushing where the dressing is placed.

  6. Brushing: You may experience bruising on your face around the area of surgery. This is not unusual and may take up to 2 days to appear. It should fade after several days.

  7. Pain: If you are experiencing pain which will not subside with pain medication, or have any questions concerning your surgery, please do not hesitate to call the office.

  8. Diet: Do not chew on the side with the dressing if possible. Until the dressing hardens, avoid hot beverages and foods for 1 to 2 hours. Eat an adequate balanced diet during this healing period. Soft foods and liquids are encouraged (soft chicken, fish, hamburger). Avoid excessively hot foods, fluids, spices and citrus fruits or juices during the first few postoperative days. After this period you may return to your regular diet.

  9. Next Visit: We will remove your dressing and sutures and instruct you in how to care for it through the following week.

  10. Important Advice: Alcohol and smoking should be avoided to aid in the healing process. We suggest you return home and relax. You may return to work tomorrow, but please wait several days before undertaking any strenuous activities.

The proper care following the graft procedure will hasten recovery and prevent complications. If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once. We care about you and want you to know we are always available.