HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR GINGIVAL GRAFTS

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- Do not disrupt or move the graft in any way. If the graft is displaced or dislodged it may prevent it from adhering and healing properly.

- Take all prescribed medication as directed:
     ____Amoxicillin 500mg - one tablet three times a day till complete.
     ____Erythromycin 500mg - one tablet four times a day till complete.
     ____Ibuprofen 600mg - one tablet every 6 hours for two days.

DO NOT:
     Use Listerine or any other mouthwash with alcohol.
     Pull the lip down to look at the graft or show others.
     Rinse vigorously.
     Brush the teeth in the graft area.
     Eat foods with grains or seeds.

First 24 hours:
     Rinse very gently before bed with warm salt wter (1tsp salt in 1 cup water).
     Do not brush the teeth that received the graft.
     Other areas of your mouth may be brushed as usual.
     Only use toothpaste on the arch that has not been grafted (top/bottom).
     No spitting, heavy rinsing, or sucking through a straw.
     Place ice packs on the area for 10 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours.
     Soft diet only (pancakes, eggs, soups, milkshakes, potatoes, yogurt, etc...).
     No grainy food (rice) or food with seeds.
     No biting into food with grafted teeth. Cut into small pieces and place in back.

First Week:
     Refrain from smoking for one week.
     No grainy foods or foods with seeds.
     No biting into food with grafted teeth. Cut into small pieces and place in back.
     Do not brush the grafted area or use toothpaste around grafted teeth.
     Soft diet (ground beef, eggs, pasta, yogurt, soft vegetables, soups, etc...).