Procedure Instructions

Socket Grafting and Bone Grafting After Surgery Care


Timeline

  1. Surgery: The tooth is extracted and grafted. A thin membrane is tucked underneath the gum tissue around the extraction site and sutured into place. This holds the graft in place during healing.
  2. One Week Post-Operative Visit: The sutures will usually be removed at this visit.
  3. Three Week Post-Operative Visit: The membrane will be removed at this visit. The membrane is gently removed non-surgically and is easier than suture removal.
  4. CT Scan: The site must heal for at least three months before it can be evaluated for implants. After healing a CT scan will be taken to measure the horizontal and vertical bone dimensions to size and order the appropriate implants.

Bleeding

It is normal to have some bleeding following dental implant placement. It is, however, usually less than with other surgeries in the mouth. A folded piece of gauze should be placed over the grafted site and bite with firm pressure for 30-45 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Swelling

Swelling following socket grafting surgery is normal. It will increase until the third day after surgery. Ice packs placed on the side of surgery for 15 minutes at a time will help minimize the swelling. This is usually only helpful for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated will also help prevent the swelling from settling in the cheeks.

Pain Control

  • Dental Implant surgery is usually less painful than extractions or other surgical procedures in the mouth.
  • NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are a good way to control post-operative pain and swelling if you are not allergic or intolerant. Start taking Motrin (Ibuprofen) as prescribed immediately after surgery and as often as allowed during the first two days after surgery. It can be taken at the same time as prescribed narcotics and will often work better when combined with either the narcotic or Tylenol. Since Ibuprofen can also help prevent swelling, it is recommended to continue this for mild discomfort after narcotic use has ended.
  • Prescribed Narcotic Pain Medicine: If the Motrin does not control the discomfort alone, take the prescribed narcotic as well. The two drugs can be taken together. You should not drive or make important decisions while taking the narcotic pain medicine. Common side effects of narcotic pain medicine include nausea and vomiting, constipation and dizziness.

Eating

  • It is important to drink lots of fluids to replenish your body after fasting.
  • ​Soft foods will be more comfortable while you are healing during the first few days: eggs, soups, soft pasta, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, ice cream, shakes, etc.

Brushing

Start brushing normally 24 hours after surgery. Be gentle in the area of the wound. Do not disturb the stitches. The sutures used for grafting are usually not dissolvable and will be removed at your post-operative visit.

Oral surgical care in a safe, warm, and caring environment!

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5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless and his team were amazing! I was a new patient and called to see if I could get in right away to remove a wisdom tooth. It was an emergency, and they got me in within the hour!! The staff through out my whole experience, from the front desk to the dental assistants, were GREAT!!!! The office was fresh and clean. I highly recommend Dr. Loveless if you’re looking for an oral surgeon.

Raegan M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

“You are an awesome doctor! Also, your assistants were great and made everything so much easier. Thank you for being such a caring doctor.”

5 of 5 stars of 811

I had a great experience at Archway. I went there to get four wisdom teeth removed. The office was clean. The staff was nice and efficient. Dr. Loveless was warm and the Spotify music was a nice touch. The procedure went through with no problems and I didn’t feel a thing. I received a post op call and great instructions. Overall, the experience exceeded my expectations after you hear all the horror stories regarding wisdom teeth removal.

5 of 5 stars of 811

What can I say? No one likes to visit the dentist…especially for anything other than having their teeth cleaned. I am no different. Hated that I had to have a tooth taken out but it was necessary. I was referred here by my dentist to see Dr. Loveless. If I ever have to have anything else done from an oral surgeon, I would never wish to see anyone else. Dr. Loveless and his staff not only made me feel less anxious but they were super nice and made sure that I knew everything that was being done. I would refer them to anyone with complete confidence! If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. I want to tell them all thank you for making this process much easier on me. Just an amazing staff and surgeon!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

We were headed to Florida when my son came down with an abscessed tooth. Dr. Loveless was able to get us in and remove his tooth before our flight. I can’t thank Laurie enough for making what could be a scary experience for my 7 year old, a fun, pleasant one. I can’t express how thankful I am for her treating him like her own and making sure he was comfortable. She went above and beyond in my eyes and made this nervous mom rest a little easier. Thank you both!!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

I went to have my wisdom teeth removed and it was the most pleasant experience. The staff and physician were very friendly and immediately put me at ease. The office was beautiful and exceptionally clean and I would definitely recommend their services to anyone and everyone!

Holly P.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless,

Thank you for making my tooth extraction so quick and easy. I was expecting a lot of pain. Haven’t experienced any residual pain, either since I woke up the following morning. You should hang a shingle stating “painless Dentist”!! Also, your staff is so kind and attentive. I would definitely come back when needed, and recommend you to anyone in need. Though I don’t wish that pre-surgery pain on any person (or animal) for that matter!

 

5 of 5 stars of 811

This surgeon is great. ALL his staff is outstanding. Had implant done, basically painless, very interesting procedure. Assistant /hygienist (practically doctor) Emily was great. Highly recommend this office.

Larry C.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Great place. Super nice staff and quick procedures. Everyone I know who got surgery done elsewhere was bedridden for a week but I had almost immediate recovery time. Highly recommend this place

Clayton J.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Very friendly staff. Doctor spent time to explain and answer questions. Easy to make an appointment. Easy to get a recheck. Staff and Doctor made themselves readily available for questions after surgery even during holidays.

Laurie M.
Happy Patient

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Washington, MO 63090

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