Bone graft surgery in Omaha, Nebraska, is a serious and complicated treatment that can restore your oral health and give you the results you need to succeed. Generally, the surgery is needed when you have experienced jaw bone loss because of tooth loss and gum disease. It’s also needed when you don’t have enough bone structure to place a dental implant.
This is a great surgery that can help you achieve your dream smile, but that’s only possible if you recover properly. So, to help you fully recover, our Village Pointe Oral Surgery team recommends doing the following things:
-Stop the bleeding: It’s normal for the surgical site to bleed for about 12 to 24 hours. However, you can help the situation by placing a clean gauze pad over the area and applying gentle pressure for about an hour. After the time has passed, check to see if the bleeding has subsided. If it hasn’t, replace the used pad with a new one and continue this process.
-Reduce swelling: You may experience swelling in the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and side of the face, but you can help reduce the swelling by icing the area. Simply place an ice pack outside the area for 30 minutes at a time—30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Do this for the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
-Take medications: Your dentist will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to you to help relieve pain and prevent infection. Make sure to take these tablets and liquids as recommended. It’s also best to avoid taking the pain medication on an empty stomach.
-Watch your diet: For the first 24 hours, drink plenty of liquids, like water, milk, and juice, and eat soft, cool foods. Try to chew away from the surgical area so you don’t affect the incision or stitches. It’s also best to avoid using straws. Straws tend to dislodge the clot and encourage bleeding. You can return to a normal diet once you are further along in the recovery process.
-Get plenty of rest: It’s very important to get a lot of rest during the recovery period, especially for the first two or three days. Doing so will help you recover faster. Also, please avoid participating in strenuous activities because it may further weaken you.
Call 402-317-5657 today and schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Michael Shnayder, if you have questions or if you need additional help. We are happy to help you!