Postoperative Instructions After Socket Grafting

The following information applies when bone grafting material has been placed into extraction sites to help preserve the thickness of your jawbone in preparation for possible implant replacement of the extracted tooth.

Your bone graft is made up of many small particles. You may notice that some of the small bone graft particles may work themselves free from the graft site, and may be lost into the mouth for the first several days. It is normal to lose a few particles over the first several days, and this does not mean that you are losing the graft, or are having a serious problem. There are some things you can do to minimize the amount of particles that become dislodged:

• Do not disturb or touch the wound.
• Avoid rinsing forcefully for 2 days to allow blood clot 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.
• Avoid the use of products that contain peroxide, such as certain toothpaste or mouthwashes, as these can dissolve blood clots.
• Avoid foods with small seed or particles such as poppy seeds, that may accidently be pushed down into the graft site.
• Brush the teeth adjacent to the site with a very soft bristle toothbrush.

If a partial denture or a flipper was placed in your mouth after the graft, be careful that this denture is not placing excessive pressure on the graft site.  If this is the case, you may have to see your restorative dentist to have the denture adjusted.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible.  Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office.  Please try to call with any questions during office hours, however if a true emergency does arise, a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with Dr. Digney.  The after hours telephone number is (561) 369-7718