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Post Operative Instructions Following a
Connective Tissue Graft
Rest:
- Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
- Always get up slowly from a reclined position to prevent dizziness
- Limit physical activity for the first 24 hours and avoid excessive exertion for the first 72 hours.
- Healing will occur much faster with rest!
Ice:
- As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
- Use the ice pack for the first day following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
- Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.
Medication:
- You should begin taking your pain medication BEFORE numbness wears off. If a pain reliever was called in to the pharmacy prior to your appointment, you may take it at our office if you have a driver. Otherwise, we can give you a non-narcotic pain reliever and you can take your prescription when you get home.
- If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is All GONE.
- Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
- Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side effect.
Bleeding:
- Some seepage of blood is expected, however extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with a most gauze or most teabag to the area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not subside, please call.
Mouthcare:
- Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking through a straw for 24 hours after surgery. Blood is clotting and this will disturb the healing process.
- Do not rinse with salt water or an over-the-counter mouthwash as they are irritants to the palate and will cause pain and delay healing.
- You may begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery, but DO NOT USE TOOTHPAST FOR THE FIRST WEEK.
- Remember to rinse very gently with the prescription rinse.
- Do not touch the surgical sites for the first week; you could dislodge the tissue and compromise the success of the graft.
- Do not pull your lip away to view the graft site.
Eating:
- Do not eat on the surgical side or area for several weeks.
- Eat softer foods for the first week such as pasta, eggs, fish, yogurt, soup, pudding and soft cooked vegetables.
- Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold or acidic foods. Do not eat hard crunchy foods such as popcorn, seeds, nuts or chips for the first month after surgery.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
Fluids:
- Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6 – 8 glasses of water during the day following surgery.
- Avoid using a straw as it may cause suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding and possible loss of the graft.
Alcohol/Aspirin:
- DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE ON PAIN MEDICATION.
- Avoid alcohol and aspirin for 2 days after surgery. These are blood thinners and may cause bleeding, delaying the healing process.
Smoking:
- We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.
If you have any questions or concerns please call us!
MARK C. WARING, D.D.S.
COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY - TEMPE, AZ