Instructions Following Dental Extractions and Bone Grafting

There may be occasional blood in your saliva or on your toothbrush during the first several weeks following surgery. This is normal. If excessive bleeding occurs, please call our office immediately.
Swelling may occur on the first or second day post-operatively and will maximize itself by the third day. This is normal and may persist for several weeks.
To minimize swelling, ice should be placed to your face adjacent to the surgical site immediately at 20-minute intervals on and off for the first 48 hours. If swelling continues after the first 48 hours, apply moist heat instead of ice.
Pain is normal following surgery and may occur for the first 7-10 days. Take medication as directed for discomfort.
You are permitted to eat and drink whatever you like, however proper home care is necessary on a daily basis.
Do not drink through a straw for the first 2 weeks.
Do not brush over the surgical site. Refrain from vigorous rinsing, as this could dislodge the graft. After normal brushing and flossing everywhere else, a single gentle rinse may be done.
Smoking or using tobacco products can adversely affect the success of the surgical procedure and should be curtailed.
Please feel free to call our office if there is a problem or concern.