You’ve taken an important step toward protecting your gum health and improving your smile. A soft tissue graft helps cover exposed tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, and prevents further gum recession. Proper aftercare over the next several days will help ensure the grafted tissue heals successfully and bonds to the treatment area. We’ve organized this guide to walk you through each stage of your recovery.
The First 24 Hours: Immediate Care
Protecting the Graft Site
The grafted tissue is delicate and needs protection to heal properly. During the first 24 hours and beyond:
- Do NOT pull on your lip to view the surgical site
- Do NOT probe the area with your tongue or fingers
- Do NOT forcefully rinse or spit
- Do NOT drink through a straw
These activities can disturb the graft and interfere with proper healing.
Managing Bleeding
Some bleeding, swelling, and seeping is normal following your soft tissue graft. Here’s how to control bleeding:
- Bite down firmly on a gauze pad placed directly over the surgical site
- Maintain steady pressure for 30 minutes at a time
- Replace the gauze as needed until bleeding subsides
- Some light bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours
Important: If bleeding continues beyond the first 24 hours or becomes heavy, please call our office.
Surgical Bandage Care
If a surgical bandage (periodontal dressing) was placed over the graft site:
- Leave the bandage in place for at least 24 hours
- Do not attempt to remove it yourself; it will come off when ready
- Once the bandage falls off naturally, you can begin gently cleaning the area with a cotton swab dipped in the prescribed mouth rinse
What to Avoid
During the first 24 hours, do NOT:
- Rinse your mouth
- Spit forcefully
- Use a straw
- Brush near the surgical site
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Consume alcohol
Diet Restrictions
Stick to soft, cool foods and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid:
- Spicy foods (can irritate the graft)
- Acidic foods and beverages (can cause discomfort)
- Sharp, crunchy foods like chips, tacos, and nuts (can damage the graft)
- Hot foods and beverages (can increase bleeding)
Good options include yogurt, smoothies (no straw), lukewarm soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soft fruits like bananas.
Rest and Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Avoid strenuous activity for two to three days to reduce bleeding and swelling.
Medications
Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed, including:
- Pain medication as needed for comfort
- Antibiotics (complete the entire course to prevent infection)
- Prescription mouth rinse as instructed
Important: Do not use alcohol in combination with pain medications or antibiotics.
Days 2-3: Reducing Swelling and Beginning Oral Care
Managing Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising are common after a soft tissue graft and may become more noticeable two to three days following surgery. This is normal and will gradually improve.
Cold Therapy (First 36 Hours)
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face near the surgical site
- Never apply ice directly to your skin; always use a cloth barrier
- Use for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off
- Repeat as needed throughout the day
- After 36 hours, cold therapy becomes less effective
Warm Therapy (After 36 Hours)
- Switch to moist heat applications on the sides of your face
- Use a warm washcloth or heating pad
- Apply for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off as needed
- This helps reduce lingering swelling
Starting Oral Hygiene
After the first 24 hours, you can begin gentle oral care:
Salt Water Rinses
- Mix one half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water
- Rinse gently four to five times a day, especially after meals
- Do not swish vigorously; let the water move gently through your mouth
- Do not spit forcefully; lean over and let the water fall out
Brushing
- Resume brushing after 24 hours using a soft manual toothbrush
- Be very gentle when brushing near the surgical areas
- Avoid direct contact with the graft site
Cleaning the Graft Site
- Once the surgical bandage has come off, gently clean the wound with a cotton swab dipped in the prescribed mouth rinse
- Be extremely gentle to avoid disturbing the healing tissue
Days 4-7: Continued Healing
Expanding Your Diet
As you feel comfortable, you can gradually introduce more foods. Continue to avoid anything sharp, crunchy, spicy, or acidic that could irritate the graft site. Most patients can return to a more normal diet within one to two weeks, depending on healing progress.
Sutures
Sutures may have been placed to secure the graft. Most sutures will dissolve on their own within seven to fourteen days. If your sutures require removal, we will schedule a follow-up appointment.
Continued Restrictions
Until your graft has fully healed:
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products (tobacco significantly impairs healing and can cause graft failure)
- Avoid alcohol
- Continue to avoid pulling on your lip to check the site
- Be gentle when eating and brushing
When to Call Our Office
Contact us if you experience:
- Bleeding that continues beyond 24 hours or becomes heavy
- Severe pain that is not relieved by medication
- Significant swelling that worsens after the first few days
- Signs of infection (fever, increasing pain, pus, or foul taste)
- The graft appears to be coming loose or looks discolored
- Any concerns about your healing progress
For serious or life threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please call our office. Protecting your graft during the healing process is essential for a successful outcome, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
