Do NOT be alarmed if you notice any of the following:

• Light bleeding
• Slight swelling that increases on the third day after surgery
• Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
• Medicinal taste from mouth rinse

Color Change of the gum and oral tissues are part of the normal sequence of healing. Tissues can be gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, “stringy”, and all reflect a normal healing process. The clot around the treated teeth is red to purple in color and will normally turn white/yellow/gray as time passes. The color change is the normal healing process.

Swelling may possibly occur. You may place an ice pack on your face for 20 minutes each hour for only the first 24 hours. Do NOT use an ice pack after 24 hours. Some oozing of blood may occur. To stop bleeding you can place a wet, black tea bag on the bleeding area and apply moderate pressure. If you feel you have excessive bleeding please call the office. Do not be alarmed if your teeth are sore, tender, or sensitive as the bone and ligaments are around the teeth regenerate. This is a sign of healing but may also indicate the presence of a bite imbalance that needs to be adjusted.

Do NOT brush or floss your surgery sites until you are directed by our office to do so.

Do NOT us power oral cleaning aids like Waterpik, Hydrofloss, Sonicare, Braun OralB, Quip or battery operated Spin brush, etc. ANYWHERE in your mouth for 8 weeks after surgery. Using these power tools can strip the graft away from the surgery site, failing your outcomes.

First 48 hours use Stella Life rinse and gently roll your head right to left to rinse your mouth. Avoid vigorous swishing for 48 hours. Do not chew on the side of the mouth that had the surgery.

After 48 hours: Rinse with Stella Life rinse and follow directions on Stella Life box or bottle.

After 48 hours: Use ONLY the red post op tooth brush dry, without toothpaste. Floss the teeth only in the areas of your mouth that we did NOT do surgery. Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible to help the healing process.

Do NOT do any physical activity that could increase your heart rate for the first 48 hours after surgery.

Do NOT apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the surgical area. It is very important to maintain good food and fluid intake during healing.

Wear orthodontic retainers, bite guard, or sleep appliance as directed the night of your surgery, they will act as a mouth splint and may improve our surgery results. Do NOT wear tooth replacement flippers, these damage tissue and can compromise final outcomes.

If medications have been prescribed, take exactly as directed. If you have any questions or concerns please call our office.

For the first 48 hours following surgery eat a liquid like diet to allow healing. Anything that can be put in a blender drink is ideal. Do NOT eat foods with small seeds unless liquified in a blender.

After 48 hours eat a mushy food diet until your in-office post-surgery recovery exam.

Avoid nuts, seeds, crusty bread, croutons, raw vegetables, or raw salad, spicy or excessively hot foods.

Do NOT drink through a straw or sports bottles as any sucking motion can cause bleeding and disrupt the healing.

Limit sugar intake. Do NOT eat candy, cookies or chew chewing gum.

Do not chew on the surgery site for 6 weeks.

The following are some examples of nutritious foods that require little chewing: scrambled eggs, pasta, soup, bone broth, ice cream, apple sauce, bananas, ground meat, chicken or tuna salad, protein drinks.

Food supplements such as Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast are also good options.

Warm drinks after 24 hours are okay (coffee, tea & soups).

If you have an after-hours emergency, please call 509-927-3272 and listen to the after-hours message

Then press 88 for Dr. Nygaard or press 77 for Dr. Poovey.

Clearly leave your full name, date of birth and a call back phone number including your area code.

Your call will be returned promptly.