Soft tissue grafting procedures may be performed alone or in combination with additional procedures (bone grafting, implants, etc.). Although the specific procedures may differ, special precautions should be taken both before and after your planned surgery to optimize healing and success. Be sure to refer to any additional instructions that you were given.
DO NOT directly disturb the surgical site(s) for the first 2 weeks. Progress to using only an extra soft brush (Butler or baby/newborn) for the next 4-6 weeks.
You may notice a white film on the tissues near the surgical sites. This is normal.
Use any prescribed mouthwashes as directed taking care to be gentle when swishing. DO NOT use alcohol containing rinses or peroxide for at least 1 week following procedure.
DO NOT use electric toothbrushes (Oral B, Sonicare, etc.) or water-pik on or near the surgical site for 8 weeks following surgery
DO NOT drink carbonated beverages or acidic beverages and avoid the use of straws for 2 weeks.
The day of surgery stick to soft cold foods. Avoid hot foods for the first day. After 24 hrs. You may progress to a diet consisting of foods with a soft pasta-like consistency (mashed potatoes, pancakes, eggs, fish, pasta, cooked vegetables). Stick to a soft diet until your scheduled follow-up visit and avoid any hard crunchy foods. Avoid the surgical site altogether whenever possible.
Continue taking your antibiotic as directed until finished. If you develop any problems with this medication or have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
DO NOT smoke or use tobacco products until directed otherwise. This greatly impairs healing and is a high risk for graft failure. Smoking is very harmful to healing tissue after surgery and is likely to negatively affect the outcome.
Both resorbable (dissolving) and non-resorbable (non-dissolving) sutures may have been used. Resorbable sutures may begin to come out prior to your first scheduled follow-up visit. This is likely normal. Non-resorbable sutures will need to be removed at one of your follow-up visits. If you have concerns or feel like there is an opening developing at the surgical site, call the office to come in for an early visit.
