Postoperative Instructions Following Socket Preservation

SURGICAL SITE CARE

The best treatment for your surgical site following socket preservation is to avoid putting any pressure on the surgical site. Please avoid this area while eating. It is unusual for you to have excessive bleeding following socket preservation. 

DO NOT CHEW ON OR BRUSH THE SURGICAL SITE! DO NOT USE AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH! DO NOT SWISH, RINSE OR HOLD THE RINSE IN YOUR MOUTH!

DO NOT SPIT, DRINK WITH A STRAW, SMOKE, OR DRINK ALCOHOL, AS THESE WILL PROMOTE BLEEDING AND CAN LENGTHEN YOUR RECOVERY TIME.

Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. Applying an ice pack for 30 minutes on, and 30 minutes off over the surgical area and keeping your head elevated for the first 24 hours helps decrease swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. DO NOT USE ICE FOR MORE THEN 24 HOURS AFTER SURGERYAfter 24 hours, apply warm, moist compresses by placing your hot / cold pack with a moist washcloth heated in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Use moist heat as often as possible to speed healing and help decrease swelling and discomfort. Continue to sleep with your head elevated until the swelling resolves. 

Start with a soft diet on the first day. Cold, soft foods such as ice cream, pudding, Jello, or yogurt may be soothing and helpful. Rest is recommended the first day. Advanced your diet as tolerated while continuing to avoid the surgical site. 

DISCOMFORT

Some discomfort is normal after oral surgery. It can be controlled, but not eliminated by taking pain medications as prescribed. If you take over the counter Tylenol it may be helpful but do not take more then 3200 mg in a 24-hour period (including the Tylenol contained in your pain medication).

ORAL HYGIENE

Do not swish with any mouth rinses after bone grafting. Start GENTLY cleaning the area with Chlorhexidine mouth rinse on a Q-Tip 2-3 times daily, beginning the day after surgery, Brush your other teeth gently and regularly, avoiding the surgical site.