Your bone graft is composed of many particles. Small granules may surface in your mouth, but it is essential not to rinse or spit. The goal is to heal your graft site as soon as possible. Follow these guidelines.
- Do not disturb or touch the wound.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for 48 hours to allow blood clotting and graft material stabilization.
- Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area, as the material is movable during the initial healing.
- Do not lift or pull on the lip to look at the sutures. This can actually cause damage to the wound site and tear the sutures.
- Do not smoke.
- When you reach the third day, you may gently rinse but not vigorously. You don’t want to disturb the bone graft granules.
- If you also have a partial denture or flipper, be sure to get instructions from your dentist.
You can call the office with questions during office hours. After hours, you may call the 24-hour answering service at 314-921-1129.