Brushing / Flossing

• DO NOT brush or floss the treated area(s) for 1 week. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment in 7-10 days and proper brushing and flossing of the area(s) will be reviewed at that time.
• You may brush and floss all other teeth normally.

• Softer foods will be desired for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, hard, spicy, salty foods (pretzels, nuts, chips) for 1 week as they will irritate the treated area(s).
• Avoid hot foods for the 1^st day (hot soups, coffee, tea) as they will increase swelling to the treated area(s). Warm foods can be consumed on the 2^nd day.
• Cut food into small pieces and chew on the untreated side of your mouth.
• Avoid drinking with a straw for 3 days as this can create bleeding from the palate (roof of the mouth).

• Sutures (stitches) are absorbable and will come out within 5-10 days. They may untie, become loose and hang down from the palate. DO NOT attempt to pull or remove the sutures. If they are long and bothersome, you can trim them with small scissors.

• A white or pink bandage is placed over the treated area(s). DO NOT disturb the bandage. It will eventually fall off. Do not be alarmed if it falls off within 1-3 days following the surgery. If it stays in place, it will be removed at your 1 week follow-up visit.
• Do not worry how the tissue looks once the bandage comes off. It is normal for the tissue to be thick, swollen, red or white in color. The swelling will be present for approximately 2 weeks and the tissue will become pink in color the longer it heals. Final healing is approximately 6 weeks.

• The palate (roof of the mouth) is an area(s) that may bleed during the 1^st week of healing.
• Some medications will increase the amount of bleeding such as Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin.
• Moist gauze will be sent home with you to apply pressure to the palate if it should bleed.
• DO NOT apply pressure to the palate if it is not bleeding.
• If bleeding occurs, fold in half one piece of moistened gauze, place it on your thumb, and apply direct pressure to the palate until the bleeding stops.
• If bleeding continues after 10 minutes, replace the gauze with a moist small tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea will help to control the bleeding. Unfortunately, the taste is not pleasant.
• If bleeding continues, call the office number (317) 844-2792 or after hours emergency number (317) 691-4169.

• It is normal to experience pain, throbbing or discomfort. Typically the first 2-3 days is when the most soreness occurs. The discomfort can last up to one week.
• “Delayed discomfort” is possible. This means that you may feel little to no discomfort the 1^st week but do experience some the 2^nd week.
• Minimize talking as much as possible the first day in attempt to help with discomfort.
• It is normal for the palate and the treated tooth to feel swollen or “puffy”.
• You may gently place a cold pak on the outside of the cheek for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. This is most effective the first 24 to 72 hours following the surgery.

• It is not advised to return to work the same day of surgery due to discomfort and possible bleeding of the palate.
• You likely will be able to return to work the following day.
• If you elect to be sedated for the procedure, you are NOT to return to work the same day but may return the following day.

• Avoid exercising or heavy lifting for 2 days.

• It is best NOT to smoke during the first week following surgery as it will delay the healing process and compromise the result of the graft.

• Take as directed until gone.

• Take as needed: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil, or prescribed medication.

• An appointment will be scheduled for you to return 7-10 days following the surgery.
• The treated area(s) will be evaluated for healing.
• Proper brushing and flossing will be reviewed at this time.

• Final healing will be assessed and results will be corresponded to your dentist.

• Office: (317) 844-2792
• After Hours Emergency (317) 691-4169