A soft tissue graft is an outpatient procedure performed by your oral surgeon and you’ll usually be able to go home shortly after the surgery is done.
The recovery process for a soft tissue graft is important to ensure the graft begins to heal properly, so make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the doctor.
Please follow all instructions provided by your doctor after surgery. The following are general guidelines and your specific care procedures may vary.
What can I eat after a soft tissue graft?
The first week after your surgery you’ll want to eat soft, cold foods that won’t irritate or damage the new graft. You should avoid hard, sharp (like potato chips), and hot foods that may delay healing.
Some good foods to have for your recovery include:
- Jello, yogurt, and pudding
- Soft cooked vegetables like carrots, squash, green beans and other greens
- Ice cream, milkshakes or smoothies (no straws)
- Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Soft-cooked shredded chicken
- Canned or cooked fruit
- Pasta and noodles
Carbonated and sugary beverages should be avoided during the healing process.
You can find more post-oral surgery friendly foods here.
Oral Hygiene after surgery
You should resume routine brushing after your soft tissue graft, but just take extra care to not brush over the surgery area. Avoid brushing or flossing in the area of the graft until your doctor tells you to. This will allow the area to heal properly while maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Pain management for a soft tissue graft
If you experience any pain or discomfort after your soft tissue graft, your doctor may provide you with some direction on what over the counter medications you can take. It’s best to ask your doctor what to do for pain since they are the only ones that know your specific situation.
Resuming normal activities
You may begin to resume normal activities within a couple days of healing, and strenuous activity only after your doctor says it’s okay.
If you experience any oozing, unexpected bleeding around the graft, or other complications you should call your doctor immediately.