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470-239-42895520 Castleberry Rd., Suite 300, Cumming, GA 30040
Bone graft post-op care

Post-Operative Instructions: Bone Graft Placement

A bone graft helps rebuild and strengthen the jawbone to support future dental implants or improve oral health. Following these guidelines will help protect the graft and promote healing.

Bleeding

  • Some bleeding or oozing is expected for the first 24 to 48 hours.
  • Bite firmly on gauze pads for 30 to 45 minutes. Replace as needed.
  • A small amount of bone graft particles may come loose — this is normal and does not mean the graft has failed.
  • Avoid spitting, rinsing vigorously, or using straws for 24 hours.

Swelling

  • Apply ice packs — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 48 hours to control swelling.
  • Swelling typically peaks at 48 to 72 hours and gradually improves over the following days.
  • Keep your head elevated when resting.

Pain Management

  • Take pain medication as prescribed, ideally before the anesthesia wears off.
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be used as directed for inflammation and discomfort.
  • If antibiotics are prescribed, take the complete course as directed.

Diet

  • Follow a soft diet for 1 to 2 weeks — avoid chewing directly on the graft site.
  • Good choices include yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and smoothies.
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or very hot foods.
  • Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition to support healing.

Oral Hygiene

  • Do not brush the surgical area for the first 48 hours.
  • After 24 hours, begin gentle salt water rinses (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) after meals.
  • If prescribed chlorhexidine rinse, use as directed.
  • Brush your other teeth gently as normal.

Protecting the Graft

  • Do not press on or touch the grafted area with your tongue, fingers, or any objects.
  • If a membrane or sutures were placed, do not disturb them — they will dissolve or be removed at your follow-up.
  • If you have a temporary prosthesis (flipper or denture), follow specific wear instructions provided by Dr. Shin.

Activity

  • Limit physical activity for 3 to 5 days.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and strenuous exercise.
  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks. Smoking severely compromises bone graft healing and success.

When to Contact Us

  • Persistent or heavy bleeding that does not respond to gauze pressure.
  • Increasing pain or swelling after 3 to 4 days.
  • Fever, foul taste, or pus at the surgical site.
  • Feeling that a large amount of graft material has come loose.

Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor graft integration. If you have questions, please contact our office at 470-239-4289.