Bone Grafting Instructions

Before Surgery

Make sure you have read over our Patient Instructions for Surgery. This information will provide specific instructions for patients having a bone graft prior to implant placement.

We normally prescribe (four) medications to keep our bone graft patients comfortable.

1. Antibiotic: usually amoxicillin or clindamycin. Please take as directed by Drs. Wunderlich and Chang.
2. Non-narcotic, anti-inflammatory pain reliever:
   
   1. “Motrin” or ibuprofen, which will also help reduce swelling and reduce pain. You may take 1 pill 4 hours after surgery and then 3-4 times daily as needed or
   2. "Lodine" which will also help reduce pain and swelling.  You may take this medication immediately after surgery, then every 6-8 hours as needed. 
3. Narcotic pain reliever: “Acetaminophen with hydrocodone.” Although severe pain is unusual, you can take this, every 4 hours as needed after surgery, in addition to the ibuprofen or Lodine . It can cause drowsiness, and is best taken before bedtime.
4. Antiseptic rinse: Peridex “Chlorhexidine" which you can start using the day after surgery to keep the area clean during healing. Rinse after breakfast and before bed, avoiding food or drink for 1-hour. Do not rinse vigorously

After Surgery

For 3 days after your surgery, do NOT spit, smoke, rinse hard, drink through a straw, create a “sucking” action in your mouth, use a commercial mouthwash, drink carbonated soda, or use an oral irrigating device. Doing any of these can disrupt clotting, the healing process and open the incision.

For the next 14 days or until your sutures are removed:

• Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
• Do not take in liquids through a straw.
• Do not lift or pull on lip to look at sutures “stitches”.
• Do not lie on side of face over area of surgery.
• Do not press on cheek or the jaw over area of surgery for 1 month.

Notify the office if:

• Your medications do not relieve your discomfort
• If you develop a fever above 99.5F
• If you have any unusual swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or discharge