Can You Drink Water Immediately After a Bone Graft?

Why Water Is Usually Fine After a Bone Graft

Water itself doesn’t damage a dental bone graft. In fact, staying hydrated is part of a sensible recovery, and Harvard School of Dental Medicine specifically advises patients to drink enough water after dental surgery.

The Straw Is the Part to Avoid

Straws create suction, which is exactly the sort of pressure you don’t want around a fresh oral surgery site. Some bone graft instructions specifically tell patients to avoid straws because suction can disturb the surgical area.

What Should You Drink Right After Surgery?

• Cool water is the boring choice, but that’s actually a good thing while your mouth settles down.

• Small sips are better than taking a huge drink and making your mouth work harder than it needs to.

• No straw. This one is worth remembering, even if you’re tempted to make an exception for your favorite cold drink.

What If You Had Sedation?

This is where “drink immediately” gets a little less simple. After sedation, you may feel sleepy or nauseated, so your dental team may tell you to start slowly once you’re fully awake. 

When Should You Call Your Dentist?

A little soreness, swelling, and even some tiny bone fragments can happen during recovery. 

But worsening pain, increasing swelling, pus, fever, or significant bleeding deserves a call to your dentist or oral surgeon. Those aren’t things to shrug off.

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