🔹 Immediately After Surgery

• Avoid Disturbing the Site:

  • Do not touch, rinse, or spit forcefully for the first 24 hours.

  • Avoid sucking on the area, using a straw, or vigorous mouth movements.

• Swelling: Apply an ice pack on the outside of your face over the surgical area (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours.

🔹 Pain and Medications

• Take prescribed pain medication as directed.

• Anti-inflammatory medications  help control both pain and swelling.

• Antibiotics: If prescribed, TAKE THE FULL COURSE, even if you feel fine.

🔹 Oral Hygiene

• Do not brush the surgical area for the first week.

• You can gently brush adjacent teeth without disturbing the graft site.

• Avoid commercial mouthwashes and do not actively rinse your mouth.

🔹 Eating and Drinking

• Diet:

  • Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day (e.g., yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup—lukewarm only).

  • Avoid hot foods, crunchy or hard foods, spicy items, and anything with seeds that can disturb the site.

• Hydration: Stay well-hydrated but avoid using straws (risk of dislodging graft or clot).

🔹 Activity and Habits

• Rest: Minimize physical activity for the first 24–48 hours. No gym, No Swimming.

• Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours, ideally longer (7–10 days). Smoking increases the risk of graft failure.

• No alcohol while taking painkillers or antibiotics.

• When resting and sleeping elevate your head with an extra pillow.

🔹 What to Expect

• Mild bleeding or oozing for up to 24 hours is normal. Heavy bleeding is not.

• Swelling and mild bruising may peak around day 2–3 and then subside.

• Graft material particles may be felt or seen in your mouth; this is normal in small amounts.

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