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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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.

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Excellent oral surgeon. I had to have my wisdom teeth removed and was terrified. The staff at Archway were very professional and took care of me. Painless proceedure and I was in and out in a hour. highly recommended thank you very much!

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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!!!

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Best oral surgery place! Everyone is so friendly & caring! They did a great job of making sure I was comfortable & the surgeon did an excellent job-they even gave me some Ted Drewes to bring home!

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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!

 

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Dr. Loveless was wonderful, kind, professional, and really made me feel comfortable. He is the kind of man you would want as your regular dentist for not only yourself, but for also your family, neighbors, former roommates twice removed (you get the picture lol). I was completely and utterly scared when I went in and he and the staff helped ease my fears. I didn’t feel anything, he worked quickly, and I left feeling really confident in his work. I hope I never need oral surgery again but if I do, I’m going to [him], hands down. I would absolutely recommend [him] to anyone. 🙂

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