GBR Post Operative Instructions
Do not eat anything until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your lips, tongue, or cheek and cause damage. You will probably have some discomfort when the anesthesia wears off; take your prescribed medications as instructed.
If you have a partial or full denture, you will NOT be able to wear it after surgery. Doing so could compromise the healing on the surgical site. Have Ridge Augmentation (GBR) done will change the vertical height and width of the bone so your prosthesis will not fit properly right away. You may need to have adjustments made or have a new prosthesis made. In certain cases, you will need to go without the prosthesis for a period of days, sometimes weeks, after treatment. Sometimes a temporary removable appliance is made for cosmetic purposes until a new removable one can be made. Note: You will need to remove the appliance at night and clean it with a soft toothbrush and water. You may lightly swish with warm salt water 2x a day; use 1 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and use it as a rinse to promote healing. Limit the use of the device.
Swelling :
Swelling of the operated area is normal. Expect some bruising as well and chapped lips. A reusable ice pack or frozen vegetables, wrapped in a towel, may be applied to the area to help minimize swelling. Alternate 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off during the first 48 hours. Keep your head elevated during rest and sleep. Major swelling should be reported to the doctor. You may experience some tooth sensitivity but it should subside in a couple of weeks. Minor bleeding may occur up to 72 hours after the procedure. Avoid hot foods for the remainder of the day and DO NOT rinse your mouth as this can prolong bleeding. If bleeding doesn’t subside, apply moist gauze to the site and apply firm pressure for 20-30 mins. Check if bleeding slows down, repeat as needed. If the bleeding becomes excessive, please notify the doctor immediately. Avoid strenuous activity for the next 2-3 days.
Diet:
Please follow a liquid to a soft diet for 7-10 days following surgery. Chew on the opposite side from the surgical site and DO NOT bite directly into foods. NO STRAWS! Avoid sticky, hard, crunchy, acidic, and spicy foods. Foods such as soup, pasta, eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes are best. Drink lots of clear fluids. Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and smoking until after your check-up appointment. No lifting the lips/cheeks to view the site. Doing so could delay or compromise healing.
The sutures on the surgical site WILL NOT DISSOLVE. They will be removed at the time of the check-up appointment. They may become loose due to swelling going down, this is normal. Do not pick at sutures.
