Restrictions last until we see you for follow-up appointment, unless stated otherwise

If you had a bone graft or soft tissue graft, the two major reasons for failure are: 

1. Smoking during the healing phase.
2. Pulling on the lip or cheek, touching the area with tongue, and/or hitting the site with a toothbrush before it has had the chance to attach. 

Activity Restrictions

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• If you were given a sedative; DO NOT drive or operate heavy machinery, sign legal documents, or care for children for at least 24 hours.
• Refrain from any strenuous activities for at least 3 days.
• Avoid sleeping on the side of the surgery site.
• Avoid straws, spitting, rinsing hard, or creating a “sucking” action in your mouth. 
• No Smoking!

Dietary Restrictions

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• Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, hot food/liquids, raw food, seeds and carbonated drinks.
  • Instead try: soft cooked foods & cool liquids. 
  • ex: yogurt, eggs, soups (lukewarm), oatmeal, pancakes, boiled shredded chicken, rice, beans etc.

Sinus Precautions

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if work was done on or near your sinus please,

• Avoid blowing nose
  • Instead try wiping your nose and using an OTC nasal decongestant.
• If you have post-nasal drip, use Sudafed, claritin or your preferred antihistamine.
• If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open, DO NOT suppress the sneeze.
• Avoid bending over.

Swelling and Bleeding

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• Some swelling may occur the first few days, this is expected and normal.
  • Apply COLD compress for the first 24 hours ONLY, 3-5 times a day for 20 minutes on/20 minutes off.
  • Begin warm compresses the day after the procedure, 2-3 times a day for 20 minutes on/20 minutes off. Do this until swelling or discomfort has reduced. 
• There should be minimal bleeding after the procedure. The taste of blood or pink discoloration of saliva  is normal.
  • If there is persistent bleeding: oozing or filling your mouth then apply steady pressure for 30 minutes with clean hands & a dampened gauze. 
  • If bleeding persists, apply a moistened  Lipton black tea bag, as you would for gauze.
  • If these measures do not stop the bleeding, call our office.

Oral Hygiene Around Treated Area

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• Do not brush your teeth in the area of procedure until we see you again or instructed otherwise.
• Lightly rinse mouth with the provided rinse 2x a day, as this is what will keep the site clean. 
• You may brush & floss all other areas of the mouth as usual.
• After meals, use a warm salt water rinse to gently rinse your mouth; 1tsp of salt to 8oz of warm water. 

Sutures

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• Do not disturb sutures placed as they are there to hold the gums in the proper position for healing. Disturbing the sutures will prolong your healing process. 
• If you notice a loose or missing suture; this is not urgent, you may call the office during regular office hours.

Medications

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• Take Ibuprofen or  tylenol for any pain or discomfort.
  • If discomfort continues, alternate ibuprofen and tylenol every 4 hours.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Notify the office if:
  • Your medications do not relieve your discomfort.
  • If you develop a fever or any unusual swelling, uncontrollable bleeding or discharge.

Please call us if you have any questions. Thank you 🙂