Instructions After Socket Grafting
1. Surgery: The tooth is extracted and grafted. A thin membrane is tucked underneath the gum tissue around the extraction site and sutured into place. This holds the graft in place during healing.
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2. One Week Post-Operative Visit: The sutures will usually be removed at this visit.
3. Three Week Post-Operative Visit: The membrane will be removed at this visit. The membrane is gently removed non-surgically and is easier than suture removal.
4. CT Scan: The site must heal for at least three months before it can be evaluated for implants. After healing a CT scan will be taken to measure the horizontal and vertical bone dimensions to size and order the appropriate implants.
Bleeding
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It is normal to have some bleeding following dental implant placement. It is, however, usually less than with other surgeries in the mouth. A folded piece of gauze should be placed over the grafted site and bite with firm pressure for 30-45 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
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Bone Graft surgery is usually less painful than extractions, however, it may last longer than If the socket was not grafted.
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NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are a good way to control post-operative pain and swelling if you are not allergic or intolerant. Start taking Motrin (Ibuprofen) as prescribed immediately after surgery and as often as allowed during the first two days after surgery. It can be taken at the same time as prescribed narcotics and will often work better when combined with either the narcotic or Tylenol. Since Ibuprofen can also help prevent swelling it is recommended to continue this for mild discomfort after narcotic use has ended.
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Prescribed Narcotic Pain Medicine: If the Motrin does not control the discomfort alone, take the prescribed narcotic as well. The two drugs can be taken together. You should not drive or make important decisions while taking the narcotic pain medicine. Common side effects of narcotic pain medicine include nausea and vomiting, constipation and dizziness.
Pain Control
Eating
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It is important to drink lots of fluids.
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Soft foods will be more comfortable while you are healing during the first few days: eggs, soups, soft pasta, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, ice cream, shakes, etc.
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Brushing
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Start brushing normally 24 hours after surgery. Be gentle in the area of the wound. Do not disturb the stitches. The sutures used for grafting are usually not dissolvable and will be removed at your post-operative visit.
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Timeline
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Swelling following socket grafting surgery is normal. It will increase until the third day after surgery. Ice packs placed on the side of surgery for 15 minutes at a time will help minimize the swelling. This is usually only helpful for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated will also help prevent the swelling from settling in the cheeks.