“How long after a bone graft can I eat?”
I am a 42 year old female. I want to know how long after a bone graft can I eat?
10 Answers
The answer can vary depending on the surgeon, type of bone graft performed ,etc. we recommend that you consult your surgeon for specific instructions. Our typical instructions in our office: no vigorous rinsing for 2 weeks, soft foods, chew on the other side as much as possible, avoid hot and foods with sharp edges like chips. 2 week followup.
They should have given you oral and written instructions to care for your surgery. Most people are so dazed after the procedure that they misplace the instruction sheet.
After the Anesthesia wears off, stick to some soft foods the first day or two. Then you can eat normally. Try to avoid the area as much as possible, and avoid really hard or crunchy, or sticky stuff for a few days.
You can eat right away, however, your diet should be restricted to soft or liquid diet for the first few days. Nothing hard or chewy should be consumed to avoid the possibility of disturbing the bone graft area. You should also refrain from swishing and brushing the area for the time recommended by your dentist. Also, no alcohol or alcohol based mouth rinses. The first few weeks are critical to the success of the bone graft so take extra care if you want a good result.
Usually a soft diet for a few days to a week, then a normal diet, but avoid chewing on the grafted area.
It depends on what type of bone graft we are talking about. But generally speaking, you can eat a soft diet as soon as the "numbness" goes away.