Gum Graft

Pre-Surgical Instructions – Before the Surgery

Avoid Anti-Inflammatories: Refrain from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Advil, for one week prior to your surgery.

Limit Natural Supplements: Reduce your intake of natural products like ginger, ginseng, vitamin E, and fish oil during the week before your procedure.

Inform About Anticoagulants: Notify us if you are taking any anticoagulants (e.g., Plavix, Coumadin).

Antibiotics: If antibiotics have been prescribed, start taking them one day before the procedure or on the day of the surgery (as prescribed).

Prescription Medications: Continue taking all prescription medications as directed by your physician. Inform us of all medications you are currently taking.

Allergies to Medications: Inform us if you have any allergies to certain medications.

Avoid Physical Effort: Refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities and sports for the first week following the procedure.

Pre-Surgery Meal: Eat a light meal before the surgery. Avoid rich or fatty foods.

Post-Surgery Diet: Prepare to consume cold beverages and soft foods for the first three meals, such as meal replacement drinks, protein shakes, ice cream, or yogurt.

No Smoking: It is crucial to avoid smoking for 4 weeks before and after the grafting procedure.

Make sure to thoroughly understand the consent form and return it to us signed.

Post-Operative Instructions – After the Surgery

Oral Care

Brushing and Flossing
For the first 10 days, avoid brushing the teeth near the treated area, as well as the site of the palate graft if applicable. Resume regular brushing and flossing afterwards.

Mouth Rinse
Begin using the prescribed mouth rinse 2 to 3 times a day starting the morning after surgery, for about 2 weeks.

Diet
Stick to soft foods and avoid crusts, dry cookies, chips, toast, spicy foods, and acidic foods (e.g., tomato sauces, grapefruit juice).

Examples of easy-to-chew soft foods include:

  • Cooked vegetables
  • Cooked fish
  • Pasta
  • Meatloaf
  • Eggs

Avoid for 24 Hours:

  • Peroxide
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Using a straw
  • Aspirin and Advil (Tylenol is allowed)

Medication

Pain Management
Take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist for the first 12 hours and as needed thereafter. Avoid aspirin and Advil. Pain is typically most intense on the first day, decreases thereafter, and may increase again around the 4th or 5th day, often with more discomfort in the palate if a palatal graft was performed.

Antibiotics
Take the prescribed antibiotics as directed until the end of the prescription. Note that antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Swelling
Some swelling may occur at the surgical site. Apply ice intermittently for the first 24 hours: alternate 10-15 minutes of icing with 10-15 minutes off.

Bleeding
A slight amount of bleeding is normal on the first day. Avoid vigorous exercise and smoking. For heavy bleeding, apply a sterile gauze or a cold tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Smoking
Do not smoke for 4 weeks after the procedure to support healing and avoid complications.

Discoloration
Temporary skin discoloration around the treated area may occur but will resolve within a week.

Sensitivity to Cold or Heat
Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks is normal and will decrease over time.

Protective Dressing at the Treatment Site
If a protective dressing was placed at the graft site, avoid moving it with your tongue, cheeks, or lips. A temporary white layer or slight swelling at the base of the site is normal. If the dressing falls off, notify us immediately to determine if a new one is needed.

Protective Dressing on the Palate
Removable Dentures: If you wear a denture covering your palate, keep it in place for the first 24 hours, then remove it after each meal for cleaning. For the first 8 to 10 nights, you may keep it in while sleeping, contrary to normal recommendations.

It is normal for the protective dressing on the palate to fall off within 24 to 48 hours. Ideally, it should stay untill the day of the your follow up, when we will carelly remove it and polish you teeth

If a protective plate was placed, do not remove it for the first 24 hours. Afterward, you can remove it for cleaning. You can choose to wear it all day, only during meals, or not at all.

If not in use, store it in a humid container.

Sutures
A follow-up visit will be scheduled 7 to 10 days after the surgery to remove sutures. If sutures fall out before your follow-up visit, there is no cause for concern.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Wishing you a smooth recovery!