The following information applies when bone grafting material has been placed into extraction sites or other areas to help preserve or reconstruct your upper and/or lower jaws. Your bone graft is typically particulate bone and resembles the consistency of course sand. As a result, you may find some small granules in your mouth for the first several days. Do not be alarmed. It is normal to have some of these granules periodically migrate out of the graft site and into your mouth. You can do some things to minimize the number of particles that become dislodged:

  • Do not disturb or touch the wound.
  • Avoid spitting for 2 days to allow the blood clot and graft material stabilization.
  • Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area, as the material is movable during the initial healing.
  • Do not constantly lift or pull on your lip to look at the sutures. This can cause damage to the wound, dislodge the membrane, or tear the sutures.
  • Do not smoke for at least two weeks. 

The day following your procedure it is recommended to start gentle rinsing with warm salt water followed by your prescription mouth rinse, but not too vigorously as you can disturb some of the bone graft granules. It is of the utmost importance that you maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout the healing process. 

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

A temporary periodontal dressing that resembles a pink bubble gum may be secured at the surgical and bone graft site. The dressing serves a very useful purpose and should not be disturbed. It will become semi-rigid within a few hours and can withstand some forces of chewing without breaking. Please limit yourself to a soft, semi-solid, and cold diet and please avoid hot foods or drinks for the first day. The dressing should be permitted to stay in place for as long as possible to achieve optimum healing. Small particles may chip off during the week. However, should a sizable portion become loose or fall off, you may remove the dressing and the site will continue to heal without it in place.

If an immediate partial or full denture was placed in your mouth following surgery, you may have to see your restorative dentist, have it adjusted, and learn how to remove and replace it appropriately. If you do not already have an appointment scheduled with your dentist, please reach out to him/her and let them know that you have had your oral surgery.

We desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have any questions or concerns about your progress, please do not hesitate to call the office.