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 replacement 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. To minimize the amount of particles that become dislodged:

• Do not disturb or touch the wound.
• Avoid rinsing or spitting for 2 days 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 lift or pull on the lip to look at the sutures. This can actually cause damage to the wound site and tear the sutures.
• Do not smoke.

Following the second day, gentle rinsing is allowed, but not too vigorously as you can again disturb some of the bone graft granules.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible.  Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office.  Please try to call during office hours; however, if you call after hours, you will be able to reach one of our doctors on their cell phone. The after-hours telephone number is 210-344-9898.