After 3-4 weeks, the patient may gently cleanse the area with a cotton swab and chlorhexidine. Antibiotics are only necessary if signs of systemic or extensive local infection are noted. The flap sutures may be removed 2 weeks postsurgery if the tissues are stable. The nonabsorbable membranes should be retrieved according to the manufacturer's recommendation. The patient should be seen at least biweekly to assess healing.
Membrane exposure occurs frequently.
In the event of an exposed nonabsorbable membrane, the area should be evaluated frequently for signs of infection. Draining tracts may develop secondary to the breakdown of some absorbable suture materials. If tracts are noted, determine their source and provide treatment as indicated. Follow the patient until the drainage has resolved. Given the demonstrated predictability of root coverage using membranes, procedures using GTR should be considered as treatment options for obtaining root coverage.