Bone graft material was placed to rebuild bone, often for a future implant. It needs to stay still and undisturbed while it heals.
First 24 hours
- Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes. If oozing continues, replace it with fresh folded gauze and bite for another 30 minutes.
- For swelling, hold a cold pack wrapped in a cloth on your cheek, 15–20 minutes on and 15–20 minutes off, during the first 24–48 hours.
- Do not use a straw, spit forcefully or rinse hard for the first 24 hours. Suction can dislodge the healing blood clot.
- Do not pull your lip or cheek to look at the area. This can open stitches.
Graft granules
- Finding a few small sand-like granules in your mouth over the first days can be normal. Call us if you notice a lot.
Eating
- Avoid chewing, hot drinks and biting your cheek, lip or tongue until the numbness wears off, usually within 2–5 hours. Watch children closely.
- Eat soft, cool or lukewarm foods such as yogurt, smoothies (with a spoon), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soup that is not hot, oatmeal and pasta. Chew on the other side.
- Do not chew on the graft area.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy or very hot foods (chips, nuts, seeds, popcorn, toffee) until your dentist says it is OK.
Cleaning
- Keep brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth as usual. A clean mouth heals better. Do not brush the graft site until your dentist says to.
- Use any prescription rinse as directed, gently.
Medicine
- Take pain relievers or any prescribed medicine exactly as your dentist or pharmacist directed. Do not take more than the label or prescription allows, and tell us about any allergies or other medicines you take.
- If you were prescribed antibiotics, take every dose until they are finished unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
Avoid
- Avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol for at least 72 hours, or longer if your dentist advises. They slow healing and raise the risk of complications.
Call our office right away if
- Bleeding that soaks through gauze and does not slow after an hour of firm pressure
- Swelling that is getting worse after the third day, or spreads toward your eye, jaw or neck
- Fever, chills, or pus or a bad taste that keeps coming back
- Stitches come out early or the membrane is visible
- Large amounts of graft material coming out
- Rash, itching, or any other reaction to a medicine (stop it and call; for trouble breathing call 911)
This handout is general information. Always follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you, which may differ from this sheet. For a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Content last reviewed: 2026-10.