Instructions Following Gingival Grafting

There may be occasional blood in your saliva or on your toothbrush during the first several weeks following surgery. This is normal. If excessive bleeding occurs, please call our office immediately.
Swelling may occur on the first or second day post-operatively and will maximize itself by the third day
To minimize swelling, ice should be placed to your face adjacent to the surgical site immediately at 20-minute intervals on and off for the first 48 hours.
Pain is normal following surgery and may occur for the first 7-14 days. Take medication as directed for discomfort.
If surgical dressing (pak) is placed in your mouth, it may break apart. This is alright and no cause for concern unless otherwise stated at the time of surgery. The loose dressing should NOT be placed back on the surgical site and should be discarded. It does not need to be replaced.
You should avoid biting into hard foods such as apples, pears, carrots, hard rolls, etc. You should also avoid hot and spicy foods.
Smoking or using tobacco products can adversely affect the success of the surgical procedure and should be curtailed.
Do not brush over the direct surgical site. Bush/floss normally everywhere else.
Please feel free to call our office if there is a problem or concern.
Please do not try to view the site by pulling on your lip or cheek and do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers.