After Socket Bone Grafting

The following information applies when grafting material has been placed into extraction sites to help preserve your jawbone in preparation for possible implant placement of the extracted tooth.

Your bone graft is made up of many particles. You may find some small granules in your mouth for the first several days. Do not be alarmed by these. It’s normal to have some of them come out of the graft site and into your mouth. There are some things you could do to minimize the amount of particles that become dislodged:

• Do not disturb or touch the wound.
• Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours to allow blood clot and graft material stabilization.
• Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area, as the material is movable during the initial healing.
• Do not smoke.

Food/Nourishment

Nothing too hot for the first 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids such as ginger ale, fruit juices, cooled soups. Eat soft foods such as apple sauce, pudding, yogurt, eggs, pasta, porridge/cream of wheat, mashed potatoes. It is very important to maintain a soft, non-chewing diet for 2 weeks after surgery. Do not drink through a straw for the first 2 days after surgery - it prolongs bleeding.

Following the second day, gentle rinsing would be allowed but not too vigorously as you can again disturb some of the bone graft granules. If a partial denture or a flipper was placed in your mouth, you may have to see your restorative dentist to have it adjusted and learn how to remove and replace it appropriately.

If you have any questions or concerns, or in case of emergency,
do not hesitate to contact our office at 416-789-5335.