Important: Bone graft material is fragile during early healing. Follow all instructions carefully. Call (317) 876-1095 with any questions.
Protecting the Graft Site
- Do not touch, probe, or spit forcefully near the graft site.
- Avoid any suction — do not use straws, smoke, or rinse vigorously for 72 hours.
- The white or yellow material you may see is normal graft material, not infection.
- A small amount of graft material seeping out in the first few days is normal.
Swelling & Discomfort
- Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours. Apply ice packs to your face for 20 min on, 20 min off.
- After 48 hours, switch to warm moist heat to help reduce residual swelling.
- If you can take it, scheduled ibuprofen (600 mg every 6 hours with food for the first 48–72 hours) is the single most helpful medication after a bone graft — it controls both pain and the swelling that drives most of the discomfort. Stay ahead of the pain instead of chasing it.
- Skip ibuprofen and use acetaminophen alone if you have an NSAID or aspirin allergy, kidney disease, an active stomach ulcer or bleeding disorder, take a blood thinner (including daily aspirin) without specific clearance from your surgeon, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or were told not to take it. Call us before your first dose if you are unsure.
- Take any other pain medication exactly as prescribed. Do not let pain become severe before medicating.
Diet
- Eat soft foods for 1–2 weeks. Do not chew near the graft site.
- Avoid crunchy, hard, or chewy foods for at least 2 weeks.
- Stay well hydrated with water and other cool or room-temperature fluids.
Oral Hygiene
- Do not brush the graft site directly for at least 1 week.
- Gently brush other teeth, being careful not to disturb the surgical area.
- After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals.
- Use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse as directed.
Healing Timeline
- Bone grafts typically require 3–6 months to integrate before implant placement.
- Avoid smoking throughout the entire healing period — it dramatically reduces graft success.
- Follow-up appointments are critical to monitor healing. Do not skip them.
Call Us Immediately If You Experience:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Increasing pain or swelling after 3 days
- Fever above 101°F
- Foul odor or taste suggesting infection
- Loss of large amounts of graft material