Proper aftercare is essential for successful healing following a soft tissue graft. Expect some pain, swelling, and minor bleeding, but following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery.
📞 If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, call Manhattan Dental Spa at 212-683-2530.
🦷 First 24 Hours: Immediate Aftercare
✔ Protect the Surgical Site
🚫 Do NOT pull on your lip to check the graft—this can disrupt healing.
🚫 Avoid touching the area with your fingers or tongue to prevent irritation.
✔ Minimize Bleeding
✔ Bite gently on a gauze pad for 30 minutes to control bleeding.
✔ Some bleeding is normal for 24 hours—if it persists, call us immediately.
✔ Avoid Suction & Pressure
🚫 No spitting, forceful rinsing, or drinking through a straw—this can dislodge the graft.
✔ Take All Prescribed Medications
✔ Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain medication, antibiotics, and mouth rinses to reduce discomfort and prevent infection.
❄️ Managing Swelling & Discomfort
✔ Apply a cold compress (ice pack wrapped in a cloth) to the outside of your cheek near the surgical site.
✔ Use 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 36 hours to reduce swelling.
✔ After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to promote healing and ease stiffness.
✔ Bruising and increased swelling may appear 2-3 days post-surgery—this is normal.
🍽️ Eating & Drinking Guidelines
✔ Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol and tobacco.
✔ Soft foods only – Stick to soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.
✔ Avoid spicy, acidic, crunchy, or sharp foods like chips, nuts, and tacos—they can irritate the surgical site.
💡 Tip: Eating cool or lukewarm foods is best—hot foods can increase swelling.
🪥 Oral Hygiene & Wound Care
✔ After 24 hours: Begin gentle warm salt water rinses (½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) 4-5 times a day, especially after meals.
✔ Brush with a soft manual toothbrush—be extra gentle around the surgical area.
✔ If a surgical bandage was placed, allow it to fall off naturally before gently cleaning the area.
🏃 Activity Restrictions
✔ Limit physical activity for 2-3 days—avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, or anything that increases blood flow to the area.
🚨 When to Call Us
📞 Call Manhattan Dental Spa at 212-683-2530 if you experience:
❌ Excessive bleeding that won’t stop
❌ Severe or worsening pain after a few days
❌ Signs of infection (fever, pus, unusual swelling)
❌ Graft area appears loose or exposed
By following these guidelines, you’ll promote proper healing and ensure the success of your soft tissue graft.