Bone Grafting

PAIN

Post-operative discomfort is a normal response to any surgical procedure. The local anaesthetic or freezing administered during your surgery will probably last from two-six hours and may last up to twelve hours. Ketorolac is most effective if taken every 6 hours. Please continue the ketorolac for 5 days even if you are experiencing no discomfort. Tylenol #3 /Percocet is to be taken as prescribed ONLY if the ketorolac is not controlling the pain. The discomfort usually peaks after the first 72 hours. If in fact the pain is increasing after this period of time, please contact our office for further instructions

Please note: pain medications taken on an empty stomach often results in an unsettled feeling and or nausea and vomiting. Please attempt to take food or fluids either with your pain tablet or as soon after as possible. If vomiting persists, discontinue use of the Tylenol #3 and replace with regular Tylenol and the use of Gravol can help with the nausea.

DIET

Following surgery your body requires adequate fluids and nutrition. Begin with "sugary" liquids (i.e. juice, flat pop, milkshakes etc.) when you return home, this will help you regain your energy more quickly and prevent dehydration. At least 5-6 glasses of liquid should be taken daily. Initially you may feel comfortable with a softer diet (i.e. mashed potatoes, Jell-O, pudding, pasta, scrambled eggs, boost/ensure etc.). Avoid foods like nuts, chips or popcorn which may get lodged in the surgical areas. When chewing firmer foods avoid chewing near the surgical site as pressure on the bone graft during initial healing can result in improper healing. Proper nourishment aids in the healing process.

*NOTE: Please avoid any hot fluids until the dental freezing has worn off*

ORAL HYGIENE

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to reduce pain and lesson the incidence of infection. No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. You can brush your teeth the night of surgery with a small amount of toothpaste or warm, salt water but rinse gently. The day after surgery you should begin gently rinsing with the Chlorhexidine rinse twice a day and salt water after each meal. Avoid using any commercial mouth rinses as alcohol contained within them slows the healing process. Avoid poking the site with your fingers or tongue. If the corners of your mouth were dry at the time of surgery they may become cracked or red during healing. You can keep the lips and area moist with an ointment such as Vaseline or Blistex.

*NOTE: No smoking for at least one week; smoking significantly lowers the body's ability to heal. *

General anesthetic and intravenous sedation

1. Do NOT leave the patient alone for the remainder of the surgical day. Accompany the patient home where he or she is to rest.

2. ABSOLUTLEY NO driving or operating machinery for the first 24 hours following your surgery.

After a general anesthetic, you may experience an irritated nose and throat because of the breathing tube that was inserted while you were asleep. This will resolve over the next couple of days.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office at 403 347 4440 or 1800 662 7175. There is an after-hours contact number on the answering machine.

For post-operative concerns, please call our office rather than your own dentist or family doctor. If, however, this is a life - threatening emergency, do not delay: dial 9-1-1

If you are admitted to the hospital for any reason within 10 days of surgery, please notify us immediately.