Gum Grafting Instructions
A surgical bandage or dressing may have been placed around the teeth. If so, leave the bandage in place – it should come off on its own. Otherwise, it will be removed during your post op visit.
After your gum graft, some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for the first 24 hours. Keep your head elevated slightly. To minimize swelling and bruising, apply ice packs to your face for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off for the next two days.
Sutures have been placed to hold your gum grafts in place. If dissolving stitches are used, they will go away on their own. Non-resorbable stitches are usually removed around 4 weeks after the procedure.
Drink plenty of fluids. Some suggestions are Gatorade, Boost and Ensure. You may eat warm (not hot), soft foods when you feel you are able. Avoid spicy or crunchy foods. Avoid strenuous activity.
For three days after the surgery, avoid doing any of the following as it can disrupt clotting, slow the healing process and cause the gum graft to fail:
- Do not pull your lip down to look at the grafted site
- Do not poke at, disturb or touch the incision sites
- Do not rinse hard
- Do not spit
- Do not smoke
- Do not use a straw or purse your lips in any manner that will cause suction
- Do not use a commercial mouthwash
- Do not drink carbonated beverages
- Do not use an oral irrigating device
You may have been prescribed some or a combination of any of the following medications:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Prescription pain medication
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Antiseptic rinse
Post surgical food ideas:
Cool Soft Foods
- Jello
- Gatorade
- Pudding
- Popcicles
- Ice Cream
- Milk Shakes
- Cottage Cheese
- Protein Shakes
- Ensure
- Slimfast
- Boost
- Diced Fruit, peaces, pears, bananas, applesauce
- Baby food is an option
Protein Foods:
Let warm foods cool down to room temperature
- Eggs (any style)
- Refried Beans w/ Cheese
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich (cut into small bites)
- Pinto Beans, Navy Beans, Lentils, etc...
- Fish, tender chicken (cut into small bites)
- Soups
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Pastas (avoid red sauce, try white sauces like alfredo and cheese sauces)
- Baked or Mashed Potatoes
- Soft steamed or boiled vegetables
Note: NOTHING spicy or crunchy. NO popcorn, nuts, chips, salsa, or sesame seeds. Eat a lot of protein and several mini meals while continuing medications as directed. Drink lots of fluids! Avoid sodas and carbonated drinks for seven to ten days.
DO NOT TAKE MEDICATIONS ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
NO STRAWS FOR A FEW DAYS.
Call the office for instructions if any of the following occur:
- Your medications do not relieve your discomfort
- If you develop a fever above 99 F
- If you have any unusual swelling or uncontrolled bleeding