Bone grafting treatment is a great way to treat and restore the jawbone to provide a stronger and more stable bone to hold a replacement tooth. However, it’s also a very invasive treatment. This means the recovery period is extremely important because if you don’t properly recover, you could suffer severe consequences.
So, to help you recover after bone graft surgery in Stockton, California, please do the following things:
Step No. 1: Do your best to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling. To stop the bleeding, put a clean gauze pad over the surgical site and apply pressure to the pad for about 60 minutes. If the bleeding continues, replace the old gauze pad with a new one. To reduce swelling, ice outside the area for 30 minutes at a time. All you need to do is apply the ice for a half an hour, take it off for another 30 minutes, and repeat this process until the swelling subsides.
Step No. 2: Take medications to help with the pain and potential infections. Usually, your dentist will suggest or prescribe these medications to you. When taking the meds, make sure to follow the instructions closely. Also, don’t stop taking the antibiotics until they are gone and don’t take the pain medication on an empty stomach. Doing so can lead to nausea.
Step No. 3: Only eat cool, soft foods and drink plenty of liquids the first 24 hours after surgery. When eating, chew away from the graft site. When drinking, avoid using a straw because using a straw can dislodge the clot and encourage bleeding.
Step No. 4: Rest as much as possible. It’s best to rest for the first two or three days. While you rest, avoid strenuous activities because your normal caloric intake is typically reduced and you could be severely dehydrated. Exercise may further weaken you.
Do you have any questions about the tips Dr. Lavanya Gill and our dental team have provided? If so, don’t be afraid to call Country Club Dental at 209-466-1043 at your earliest convenience. When you call our office, we will be happy to talk with you and give you all the answers you’re looking for. We look forward to helping you!