Aftercare Instructions:
- DO NOT brush or floss in the graft site for TEN days after surgery. After ten days, you may then begin gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush for another two to four days before finally returning to normal brushing. If you are using an electric toothbrush, please avoid using this particular brush for 30 days after the surgery because the vibration from the bristles can damage your gums. Teeth which are not grafted can be brushed and flossed normally.
- DO NOT rinse too vigorously as it may disrupt the graft. After 24 hours, you may gently rinse your mouth with warm water or antiseptic mouthwash.
- DO NOT pull the lip out or rub cheek in the area of the graft as this may dislodge the graft.
- SWELLING: You may expect some swelling after surgery. To minimize swelling, place an ice pack or cold compress against the face every 15 minutes the first 2-3 hours, then 15 minutes every hour over the next 24 hours. After the first 3 days, use a warm compress to reduce swelling. Try to keep your head elevated for 3-4 days with an extra pillow at night.
- BLEEDING: Expect a small amount of bleeding in the donor site (palate) and recipient site (tooth). Do not be alarmed if the area continues to bleed slightly or ooze for one or two days. The most common site for bleeding is the palate (roof of your mouth) and pressure is the best way to control bleeding. Position a moistened gauze pad over the bleeding site and apply pressure with your tongue or finger for 30-45 minutes. Repeat if necessary. DO NOT apply pressure in the recipient site (tooth) since pressure may disrupt the graft and any bleeding in this area should stop on it its own. Call the office if the bleeding does not stop.
- EATING: Eating should be avoided immediately after surgery until the local anesthesia has worn off completely. Generally, it is better to eat softer foods in the first few days. Depending upon the location of the graft, this may modify your usual biting and chewing patterns. AVOID hard, chewy or spicy foods, since they will aggravate bleeding.
- DISCOMFORT: Following all types of surgery, a certain amount of discomfort is expected. Usually this is slight and can be controlled by taking the prescribed medication. Take medication as directed, and always use the weakest medication sufficient to control your pain.
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Avoid all physical activities for ten days which have the potential of dislodging or injuring the graft. During this period, walking and other light aerobic activities are acceptable.
- INFECTION: Signs of infection would include fever, facial redness and warmth and increased swelling after 48 hours in the area of the gum graft. Please take the antibiotic for the prescribed period. If you are experiencing undue pain, please contact our dental office immediately.
Your Commitments:
Necessary Follow-up Care and Self-Care
I recognize that natural teeth should be maintained daily in a clean, hygienic manner. Bacteria build up around the surgical site can cause infections and delay healing and success of the surgery.
I will need to come for appointments following my surgery so that my healing may be monitored and so that my dentist can evaluate and report on the outcome of surgery upon completion of healing.
Smoking or alcohol intake may adversely affect gum healing and will limit the successful outcome of my surgery. I know that it is important to:
(1) Abide by the specific prescriptions and instructions given by my dentist
(2) See my dentist for periodic examination and preventative treatment.