Instructions Following Tissue Grafting
- Pain and Antibiotics
Frequently, there is pain when the local anesthesia has worn off. Take prescribed medication as directed by Dr. Couri. This should relieve the pain. If not, please call our office.
- Bleeding
You will have the taste of blood in your mouth the first day following surgery; this is normal. Do not rinse the mouth for 6 hours after surgery. Keep moist gauze on the roof of the mouth for 2 hours after treatment. Do not look at graft site or let anyone else look at graft site. Do not pull on the lip or touch the graft site. Do not place gauze on the graft site. Do not use a straw or spit.
- Swelling
There may be swelling and it will peak 3-5 days with this procedure. Do not use ice. Do not pull on lip.
- Eating
To aid the healing process, it is important to obtain adequate nutrition and calories. If chewing is difficult, try blended, smooth, and creamy foods; such as eggs, soup and casseroles. Sip on juices and other fluids throughout the day (non-alcoholic). Do not use a straw as this may cause bleeding. A nutritional energy drink, like Boost, is a great tasting alternative. Avoid extremely hot or cold soft-textured nourishing foods—Do not restrict a diet to carbohydrates (breads, rolls, potatoes, noodles, etc.) Eat a well-balanced diet, 3 times a day. Do not eat peanuts, popcorn, chips, and seedy foods or chew gum.
- Cleansing
Do not brush the graft site. Do not touch the graft site or pull on your lip. Keep the rest of your mouth as clean as possible.
- Prescription Rinse— If you have been given a mouth rinse from our office, start using it the day after your procedure. Use it twice daily, preferably in the morning and at bedtime. Take a q-tip, dip in rinse and swab teeth in the graft area. Avoiding the gums. Wait a 1/2 hour before eating or drinking.
- Resting
During the first 24 hours, when resting, place a couple of pillows under your head. Laying flat may cause the treated area to throb.
- No smoking for 48 hours.
If you should have any questions or concerns, contact our office. Thank you.