Alveolar Bone Graft Discharge Instructions

Diet after surgery

• Week 1: Full liquids (broth, juice, smoothie, pudding) – no straws, drink straight from cup/bowl
• Week 2-3: Soft diet (mashed potatoes, chicken nuggets -no crunchy breading, pasta)

Antibiotics

• Clindamycin liquid for 7 days total

Oral Hygiene

• Swish and spit oral mouthwash, chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex), four times daily, especially after eating
• Do not brush upper teeth until cleared by team, which is usually 3 weeks after surgery. OK to brush lower teeth and tongue right after surgery

Pain Medication (alternate)

• Tylenol every 6 hours as needed
• Ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed
• Oxycodone every 6 hours as needed

Pain Pump on hip site

• Leakage from pain pump is expected, causing an oversaturated dressing. Caregiver can lift up the skin tape to drain the fluid and reinforce. It is not necessary to replace the entire dressing.
• Usually by post-op day 5, pump is deflated/empty. If comfortable enough, caregiver can remove tape & pull the pump tubing from the hip at home. If not, team will remove it at the post op visit in clinic.
• Tip to remove tape: 1) use skin adhesive remover; OR 2) when pulling tape, stretch the tape up, while at the same time holding the skin down taught with the other hand and then pull the tape down slowly

General Precautions

• NO drinking through straws, blowing through the mouth, or any other activity that can cause an increase in pressure to the bone graft site in the mouth.
• DO NOT submerge head under water until cleared by team, as that also causes pressure.
• Physical activity as tolerated

Postoperative Follow-Up
Patient to follow up with surgeon or Physician Assistant 1 week after being discharged from the hospital. Parent to call the clinic for an appointment (832-325-7234)