After Bone Graft Surgery

In addition to the after-care instructions for tooth removal, the following special instructions apply after bone graft surgery.

Your bone graft may be made up of many particles. You may find some small sand-like particles in your mouth for the first several days. Do not be alarmed by these. It’s normal to have some of them come out of the graft site and into your mouth. There are some things you could do to minimize the amount of particles that become dislodged:

  • Do not disturb or touch the wound.
  • Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area
  • 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.

Wearing your Prosthesis or Night guard

If a partial denture or a flipper was placed in your mouth, you may have to see your dentist to have it adjusted to avoid putting pressure on the bone graft. Please be careful when inserting and removing the prosthesis so as to avoid pressure to the bone graft. If you have questions about the fit of your night guard, flipper, partial or complete denture, do not wear it until your general dentist or our office can see you.

Special Instructions after a Sinus Bone Graft

The following special instructions apply when you have had a sinus lift (bone graft) procedure in your upper jaw.

  • DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT TWO (2) WEEKS
  • Sneeze with your mouth open
  • Do not drink with straws and do not spit
  • Scuba diving may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided
  • Anything that causes sudden air pressure changes in your nasal cavity must be avoided. Avoid “bearing down” (e.g.: lifting heavy objects), blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require a blowing action or any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure
  • Decongestants such as Drixoral, Dimetapp, or Sudafed will help reduce sinus and nasal congestion so that you don’t have to blow your nose. Please use as directed by our office.
  • Smoking must be stopped. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of bone graft failure. If necessary we can assist you with a nicotine replacement strategy.

Please contact us if any of these situations develop after a sinus lift surgery:

  • If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose.
  • If you are aware of several small particles of graft material being discharged from your nose.
  • If you experience sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed, or increased nasal fluid drainage.
  • If there is an increase in swelling and/or pain in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after the third day after surgery.