After Bone Grafting Surgery
At OFS Pittsburgh, we are committed to your care throughout every step of your treatment. Proper aftercare following bone grafting surgery is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and successful outcome.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site are normal after a bone grafting procedure. These symptoms typically subside within a few days.
To promote recovery:
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the surgical area on the day of the procedure.
- Take any prescribed pain medications as directed.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Stick to a soft-food diet to prevent irritation.
BLEEDING
Minor bleeding or pink-tinged saliva is common in the first 24 hours after surgery.
How to Manage Bleeding:
- Place gauze over the surgical site and gently bite down for 30–45 minutes.
- Keep your head elevated and avoid lying flat.
- Avoid touching or disturbing the surgical site.
- Use ice packs as instructed.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon:
- If you experience heavy bleeding that fills your mouth or does not improve after the first day.
- If clotted or dark blood persists.
SWELLING
Swelling is your body’s natural response to the surgery and usually peaks 2–3 days after the procedure.
How to Manage Swelling:
- Apply a cold compress to the area for the first 36 hours. Use it in 20-minute intervals (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
- Keep your head elevated while resting and sleeping to prevent fluid accumulation.
- Stay hydrated and take prescribed anti-inflammatory medications as directed.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon:
- If swelling increases significantly after 48 hours.
- If swelling is accompanied by fever, pain, or pus.
BRUISING
Bruising is a common side effect of bone grafting surgery and typically appears around the surgical site, face, or neck a day or two after the procedure.
Managing Bruising:
- Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the affected area for the first 24–36 hours to minimize bruising. Use the ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to avoid skin irritation.
- After the initial swelling subsides, switch to warm compresses to help improve circulation and speed up the healing process.
- Avoid strenuous activities that could increase blood flow to the face, such as heavy lifting or bending over, during the first week of recovery.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon:
While bruising is typically harmless, contact your oral surgeon if you notice:
- Bruising that worsens significantly after the first few days.
- Excessive swelling or pain accompanying the bruising.
- Any signs of infection, such as fever or discharge from the surgical site.
DIET
Your diet plays a critical role in your recovery. Stick to soft, non-spicy foods and avoid hot or hard foods that could irritate the surgical site.
Recommended Foods:
- Smoothies and protein shakes
- Yogurt or applesauce
- Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Scrambled eggs or soft cheese
- Soups (ensure they are lukewarm)
Foods to Avoid:
- Hot or spicy foods
- Hard or crunchy foods (like chips or nuts)
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Smoking or tobacco products
You can typically resume a normal diet one week after surgery unless advised otherwise.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
It is normal to experience some discomfort or mild pain after bone grafting surgery. Pain often peaks within the first 48 hours.
Managing Pain:
- Begin taking pain medications as the anesthetic wears off.
- For moderate pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen (follow dosing instructions).
- For severe pain, use any prescribed medications as directed.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon:
Contact your surgeon if pain becomes severe or does not improve after the initial recovery period.
ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection at the surgical site.
Follow these guidelines for safe use:
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
- Inform your surgeon of any other medications or supplements to avoid potential interactions.
- If you experience gastrointestinal discomfort, try taking antibiotics with food unless otherwise directed.
ORAL HYGIENE
Good oral hygiene is critical to a successful recovery.
Follow these steps to maintain cleanliness without disrupting healing:
Day 1:
- Avoid rinsing, brushing, or spitting.
Days 2–3:
- Use a prescribed mouth rinse (e.g., Peridex) twice daily.
- Perform gentle saltwater rinses 4–5 times per day, especially after meals.
Day 4 and Beyond:
- Continue saltwater rinses and prescribed mouth rinses.
- Gradually resume gentle brushing around the surgical site.
ACTIVITY
Limit physical activities in the first few days to allow your body to focus on healing.
Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
- Engage in light activities, such as walking, if comfortable.
- Listen to your body—rest as needed, especially if you feel weak or lightheaded.
SLEEP
Avoid sleeping on the side of the surgical site, as this can place unnecessary pressure on the grafted area and disrupt the healing process.
To avoid pressure and reduce swelling:
- sleep with your head elevated using pillows or a wedge pillow. This position helps minimize blood flow to the area and promotes healing.
- If you tend to shift during the night, use a neck pillow or place rolled towels on either side of your head to maintain your position.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon:
If you find it difficult to sleep due to persistent discomfort or if swelling worsens overnight, reach out to your oral surgeon for additional guidance or pain management options.
SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
Smoking and alcohol interfere with the body’s natural healing processes, increase the risk of complications, and can negatively affect the success of your bone graft.
Why Avoid Smoking:
- Smoking reduces blood flow to the surgical site, depriving the area of oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing.
- Tobacco use increases the risk of infection and delays the integration of the graft with the surrounding bone.
- Smokers have a higher rate of graft failure compared to non-smokers.
Why Avoid Alcohol:
- Alcohol can interfere with the medications prescribed for pain management or infection prevention, such as antibiotics or painkillers.
- Drinking alcohol may worsen dehydration, further slowing the healing process.
- It can also irritate the surgical area, increasing swelling and discomfort.
How Long to Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:
For optimal recovery, it is crucial to avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks following your surgery. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend abstaining longer, especially if you are undergoing additional procedures like dental implants in the future.
TIMELINE FOR HEALING
Recovery from bone grafting surgery involves several stages, and the timeline can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and your body’s healing ability. Here’s what to expect:
First 24–48 Hours:
It’s normal to experience swelling, minor bleeding, and some discomfort during the first two days. Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for managing these symptoms with prescribed medications and cold compresses. Rest is critical during this time to allow your body to begin the healing process.
Days 3–7:
Swelling and discomfort will begin to decrease as the initial healing progresses. Stick to a soft diet, avoid vigorous physical activities, and continue to follow your oral hygiene instructions carefully to prevent irritation or infection.
Weeks 2–4:
The grafted area will feel more stable, and any lingering tenderness should improve significantly. At this point, your oral surgeon may schedule a follow-up visit to assess your healing progress and remove stitches if they are not dissolvable.
Months 1–6:
Bone grafts typically take several months to fully integrate with your natural bone. This process, known as osseointegration, is essential for the success of the procedure. During this time, it’s vital to follow all post-operative care guidelines and attend regular check-ups with your oral surgeon.
You can schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
