If given a Palatal Protector, do not remove it for the first 24 hours. After the first two days, you can wear it while eating and sleeping until your first follow up visit. After your first follow up visit, you can wear your palatal protector as needed or discontinue use if no longer needed.
If you have a night guard, discontinue wearing it until your first follow up visit.
Avoid alcohol until after your first follow up visit.
Smoking nicotine or marijuana can TRIPLE the failure rate of the grafting procedure. Avoid all smoking for at least one month before and one month after the graft procedure.
Avoid talking and muscle movement of surgical site as much as possible (use texting and email when appropriate)
It is important that the surgical site remains undisturbed during the first week following surgery. Avoid placing your finger or tongue near the surgical site as the graft is held in place with delicate sutures. Use caution when washing your face to avoid stretching your cheek and lips and to look at the surgical site during the first week as this can cause the graft to move and decrease success rates.
Avoid bumping or sleeping directly on the surgical site. Try to sleep on your back or on the side opposite of the surgical site.
Continue with regular oral hygiene care in areas of your mouth not affected by the surgery. Avoid all brushing and flossing directly adjacent to the surgery site during the first two weeks following surgery. After two weeks, you can start to lightly brush the surgical area with your fingertip or a very soft toothbrush (we recommend Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatcher Toothbrush). You should only brush from the gums toward the biting surface of the tooth, not in the reverse direction. Resume normal brushing six weeks after surgery.
Vigorous rinsing should be avoided. Lightly rinse with an open mouth using diluted peroxide or salt water for 60 seconds after each meal.
Avoid sucking (using straws) and spitting forces.
DISCOMFORT
Swelling and bruising is common during the first week, ice frequently 24 hours after surgery. Swelling will always get worse before it gets better and typically does not peak until the fourth or fifth day after surgery.
If you have excessive swelling and bleeding or unexpected pain, contact our office.
MEDICATION
The greatest amount of swelling and discomfort can be expected in the first four to five days after the procedure.
If an antibiotic prescription was given, take as prescribed until all tablets have been taken, even if there are no signs and symptoms of infection. Antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control medications. Additional methods of birth control should be used while on antibiotics.
If a prescription pain medication was given, use as directed. If a prescription was not given, Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can be taken. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach as it may cause nausea.
If a rash or itching develops, discontinue all medications and contact our office or the emergency room immediately.
DIET
A diet of liquids and soft foods is recommended for the first two weeks following the surgery (yogurt, pasta, soup, etc.) Take care to avoid the surgical site(s) when chewing. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth and do NOT bite into food if the procedure was done in the front of your mouth. Avoid sticky, crunchy, brittle, spicy, highly seasoned, acidic or hard (such as ice cubes, nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips) foods in your diet. Soft foods such as soups, pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese are best.
It is important to maintain good nutrition following surgery. Drink as many fluids as possible for the first three days following your surgery.
When an anesthetic has been used, you may remain numb in the area for several hours after your appointment. Avoid hot beverages and chewing until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent biting or burning your tongue, cheek and lips.
Avoid extremely hot foods and drinks for the first seven days after surgery.
Avoid use of a straw during the first month after surgery.
BLEEDING
Minor bleeding, such as a pinkish tinge to your saliva, may occur during the first 48 hours following surgery. If further bleeding occurs or increases, please call our office as soon as possible to notify the doctor and receive further instructions.
Avoid any strenuous physical activity (high intensity or high impact workout) for the next two weeks to prevent or minimize bleeding and disruption of the surgical site.
Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
I had a long overdue deep cleaning, root canal/crown, AND fillings within a month. Dr. Thurman, Morgan, Kathy and staff were very attentive and kind with not ONLY the procedures and explanations but with checking up on me after the root canal. Also great at helping me figure out my insurance coverage and payments. Dental Elements is GREAT.
- Steve
We are ready to make you SMILE !
Your Decision to Choose Us as your Dental Health Partner is a Great Compliment.
