After Ridge Expansion Grafting
Bone grafting material has been placed in areas of your jaw where bone height or width has been lost. The graft will help to restore your jawbone in preparation for implant replacement of the missing tooth or teeth. These grafting techniques include: Particulate cadaver bone grafts, Ridge Split Bone Grafts and Onlay Cortical Bone Grafts.
The most commonly used materials for ridge expansion bone grafts are: freeze-dried cadaver, bovine bone, synthetic bone, your own bone (autogenous bone) or a combination of two or more of these materials. If autogenous bone has been utilized, you will have two post surgical wounds; the donor site and the recipient site.
Please avoid chewing directly on the area or areas where the bone graft was placed. Creating pressure or chewing on the bone graft during the four to six month healing process can interfere with healing of the graft, compromising the outcome or resulting in failure of the bone graft.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to reduce the risk of infection, improve results and promote rapid healing. Begin gentle warm salt water rinses on the evening of surgery or the first post-operative day. Mix one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of water.
Gently rinse with portions of the solution, using the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you like but rinse at least four to five times daily and always after eating for the next five days.
Begin careful tooth brushing with a soft bristle tooth brush and tooth paste and flossing on the evening of surgery or the first post-operative day. When brushing, be very gentle, particularly in the area of the bone graft. We may prescribe an antibiotic rinse (Chlorhexadine, Periogard, Peridex) for certain procedures. This rinse should be used in the morning and at bedtime after tooth brushing and flossing.
Start using the Peridex (Chlorhexidine) rinse on the evening of surgery or the first post-operative day. Swish the Peridex (chlorhexidine) in the mouth for one minute then spit. Do not eat, drink or rinse your mouth immediately after using the medicated rinse.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least the first week after surgery.
Please, DO NOT SMOKE for at least two weeks following surgery.
If possible discontinue smoking during the entire six month healing period. Smoking increases the risk of bone graft failure.
Diet
Drink plenty of liquids. Eat soft foods for the first several days after surgery. Advance to a regular diet as swelling diminishes and you become more comfortable. Please avoid chewing or creating pressure on the bone graft site. Creating pressure on the graft site during the healing process can interfere with bone graft healing and compromise the outcome.
Please DO NOT SMOKE for at least two weeks following surgery. If possible please discontinue smoking during the entire six month healing period. Smoking increases the risk of bone graft failure.
Wearing your Prosthesis
We understand how important it is for our patients to be able to wear their temporary teeth as soon as possible after surgery. All removable appliances including partial dentures, flippers and full dentures must be checked for proper fit by Dr. Georgiev before they are worn. These appliances can transmit pressure to the bone graft site which can interfere with bone graft healing and result in bone graft failure.
In some cases it may be necessary to go without wearing the temporary teeth for a few days until swelling resolves and some healing takes place. In most cases, partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be used only for cosmetic purposes, not for chewing.
They should be worn only in public when required and removed in the privacy of your own home.
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and as pleasant as possible. If you have any questions about your progress please call the office at (908) 272-3950.