Taking Care of Your Dental Implants and Bone Graft After Surgery

We frequently conduct a bone grafting operation at Brooklin Village Dental Care before dental implant surgery if there is inadequate jawbone quantity or quality. This operation is necessary because the pressure exerted during chewing can be immense. If the jawbone is not strong enough to support the implant, the treatment is likely to fail. In this guide, we will explore what you can anticipate during your recovery process from dental bone grafting.

Taking Care of the Dental Implants and Bone Grafts after Surgery

These are some of the ways you can take care of your dental implants and bone grafts in Whitby, ON, after surgery:

Bleeding

To stop bleeding after a surgical procedure:

1. Gently bite down on a small piece of gauze over the surgical area for one hour.
2. If bleeding persists, apply a new piece of folded gauze over the area for another 30 to 45 minutes and repeat as needed.
3. Avoid changing the gauze too frequently to prevent pulling off the clot and causing more bleeding. It is normal to have mild oozing or spotting for up to two days.

If bleeding continues, bite more firmly on the gauze moistened with water or soaked in intense, regular black tea containing tannic acid that helps with clotting. If bleeding does not decrease with pressure, contact the dental office immediately.

Preventing Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common after oral surgery and can worsen after 2-3 days, lasting up to a week. To prevent swelling, apply ice packs to the cheek near the surgical site for 30 minutes on and off, alternating, for the first 48 hours. Limiting physical activity for at least 48 hours after surgery is essential to minimize swelling. Avoid bending, lifting, exercising, or any strenuous activity for at least four days.

After 48 hours, switch to using heat on the cheek for more effective results. Bruising may be more noticeable three or more days later, especially if taking aspirin or other blood thinners. Warm compresses on the affected area can speed up the resolution of bruising.

Wound Care

To promote healing:

1. Avoid disturbing the surgical area for at least 48 hours by refraining from aggressive rinsing, spitting, manipulation, or using straws.
2. Brush your other teeth the night of dental surgery, but avoid the surgical site(s) for three days.
3. After 24 hours of surgery, rinse gently with saltwater (1/2 tsp of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water) after meals and brushing for two weeks. If prescribed, use mouthwash (Peridex®) twice daily after brushing but only 24 hours after surgery.

Brush your tongue to prevent brownish staining caused by the rinse. Avoid using WaterPik®, electric toothbrush, peroxide, or other OTC mouthwashes for two weeks.

Preventing Discomfort

After oral surgery, expect some discomfort which is usually more intense in the first 48 hours and gradually reduces each day. To prevent discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol®, Motrin®, Advil®, or Aleve® before the local anesthetic wears off. Prescription pain medication is not necessary unless over-the-counter pain relievers are not helping.

If prescribed pain medication, start with half a pill and take it with food if you’ve never taken prescription pain medication. While taking prescription pain medication, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, drinking alcohol, or taking other sedative medications.

Diet

Be cautious when eating or drinking until the local anesthesia wears off to avoid spills or accidentally biting the tongue or lip. Stick to a softer diet for the first two days and avoid hot beverages and chewing on the bone graft or implant site. After 48 hours, it is typically okay to resume your regular diet, but it is recommended to avoid chewing on the surgical area for as long as possible.

For Socket Bone Grafts

Socket bone grafts consist of several granules of sand-like particles which may come out during the first week. To reduce the number of bone graft particles that may become dislodged, it is recommended to: Refrain from vigorously rinsing the mouth for 3 to 5 days after surgery, but gentle rinsing may be started after two days.

Avoid touching the grafted area, as the material is movable during initial healing. Do not pull on the lip to examine the surgical site or probe the area with the tongue, fingers, or any objects, as it may loosen the stitches and open the incision, which can delay the healing of the tooth implant.