Bone Graft After-Care

The First 24 Hours

Light bleeding or pink saliva is common. Bite on gauze with steady pressure as directed and replace it when needed.
Avoid forceful rinsing, spitting or using a straw. These actions can disturb the surgical site.
Wait until the numbness has worn off before chewing, and be careful with hot foods and drinks.
Rest with your head slightly elevated. Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.

Swelling and soreness are often most noticeable during the second or third day and should then begin to improve.
Use an ice pack on the outside of the face during the first day as directed.
Take prescribed or over-the-counter medication according to the instructions provided.

Choose soft, nutritious foods for the first several days and chew away from the graft site.
Avoid crunchy, sharp or seedy foods that can become trapped in the area.
Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid straws and other suction for the period recommended by your dentist.

Do not rinse during the first 24 hours unless your dentist gave you different instructions.
After the first day, gentle warm salt-water rinses may be used. Let the water fall from your mouth rather than spitting forcefully.
Brush and floss the rest of your mouth normally, but do not brush directly over the graft until you have been told it is safe.
If a prescription mouth rinse was provided, use it exactly as directed.

Do not touch the site with your fingers or repeatedly explore it with your tongue.
Avoid pulling your lip or cheek outward to look at the area because this can place tension on the stitches.
Do not smoke or vape. Tobacco and nicotine can interfere with blood flow and healing.
A few sand-like graft particles may occasionally appear in your mouth. This does not automatically mean the graft has failed. Contact us if a large amount comes out or the site appears to open.
If the graft was placed near your sinus, follow the additional sinus precautions provided by your dentist, including any directions about nose blowing or sneezing.

Please contact our office if:

Bleeding does not slow with steady pressure.
Pain or swelling is severe, continues increasing after the third day or returns after improving.
You develop fever, pus, drainage or a persistent bad taste.
The stitches come apart, the site opens or a large amount of graft material comes out.

Beaird Family Dental
Poplar Bluff: (573) 778-0200 · Dexter: (573) 624-8005

This guide was written and reviewed by Dr. Justin Shaw, DMD.

Last reviewed, August 1st, 2026.