Gingival Graft Post-Operative Care Instructions

REST

Relax at home after surgery, lying down with your head elevated. Limit talking when possible. Limit physical activity for 2 days and avoid high-intensity exercise for at least 1 week. It will take approximately 2 weeks to feel "normal" again.

PAIN RELIEF

Take pain medication before the local anesthesia begins to fade. Ibuprofen (Advil), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or alternating Advil and Tylenol every 3 hours. In some cases, Tylenol with narcotics may be prescribed for pain management, in which case further instructions will be given.

SWELLING

Swelling and pain are normal and peak on day 3 after surgery. If pain and swelling are getting progressively worse after day 4, contact our office as there may be an infection or reason for delayed healing. Apply an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the remainder of the surgery day to help with swelling and pain.

BLEEDING

• Some bleeding and seepage is normal.
• If rapid bleeding occurs, apply non-stop pressure with a caffeinated moist black tea bag. If bleeding persists, please contact our office.
• Stitches will dissolve in 7–10 days. If a stitch comes loose, no treatment is required if bleeding is under control.
• Initially, the surgical site may look red and clumpy from the clot, and then it may appear white as some sloughing occurs, similar to a scab. Finally, underneath the scab, the tissue will appear pink.

ORAL HYGIENE & NUTRITION

• Avoid brushing or flossing near the surgical site for at least 10 days.
• An antimicrobial rinse will be prescribed to help clean the area. Start this rinse the day after your surgery. The rinse may temporarily stain your teeth.
• Avoid hot food or drinks for the first 24 hours.
• A soft food diet for 2 weeks is mandatory.
• Soft food examples: blended soups, overcooked pasta or white rice, mashed potatoes, mashed carrots, scrambled eggs, smooth nut butter, plain yogurt, oatmeal, and smoothies.
• Avoid straws.
• Avoid foods with small seeds, nuts, dried fruit, or popcorn, as they can become lodged in the surgical site.
• Chew on the opposite side of the graft site.

ALCOHOL & SMOKING

• Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can interact with pain medications and increase bleeding.
• Avoid or limit smoking for optimal healing.

Kindly contact the office should you have any questions or concerns.