What’s Recovering from a Bone Grafting Procedure Like?

If you are living with missing teeth, you’ve probably thought about how you can replace them. Dental implants are amazingly durable and lifelike prosthetic appliances that look, work, and feel just like real teeth because they are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. However, a patient with low bone density may need to reinforce their jaw with bone grafts before a dental implant can be placed. Here’s a brief guide to recovering after bone grafts as well as a few tips for staying comfortable.

Why Might I Need Bone Grafts Before Receiving Dental Implants?

Dental implants are incredibly durable and functional in large part because of how they are placed into the jaw and fused with their surrounding bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration. However, the bone structure that supports a tooth will begin to atrophy and recede briefly after tooth loss. If this process goes on for too long or if the patient had thin jawbones to begin with, it may be necessary to reinforce the jaws with bone grafts before implants can be successfully placed.

What Can I Expect When Recovering from Bone Grafting Treatment?

Immediately after your surgery, you can expect to receive detailed post-operative care instructions from your oral surgeon. Strictly following these will help you stay comfortable and ensure a complication-free healing process after the bone-grafting procedure. These rules will probably include:

• Abstaining from solid foods and acidic beverages for the first day of your recovery. Soups and smoothies are great ways to get nutrition after bone grafts.
• Refraining from using a straw while your jaw heals. The sucking motion caused by drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clots protecting the surgical areas, resulting in pain and delayed recovery.
• Take antibiotics as well as prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed to prevent discomfort and infection.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress as needed to reduce discomfort and swelling.
• Your dentist will instruct you as to when you may resume normal oral hygiene practices after your surgery. When you do, take special care to be careful around the surgical sites.
• After a few weeks, your dentist will clear you to gradually begin to eat solid food again. However, it’s important to avoid solid foods until this time.
• Contact your dentist immediately if you encounter any unusual complications such as pain that gets worse instead of better over time.
• Intense physical activity can stress your healing tissues and delay your recovery. It’s important to rest for the first few days after receiving bone grafts.

Bone grafts may be a necessary step on your path to a complete and beautiful smile. If you need any preliminary procedures such as bone grafts or gum disease therapy before receiving dental implants, your periodontal surgeon will be happy to help.

About the Author

Dr. Andrew Barnett earned his dental degree at the University of Pittsburgh and completed his residency at the University of Michigan, where he specialized in surgery. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology. His office in Dallas offers dental implants, oral surgical procedures, periodontal therapy, and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about recovering after bone grafts, contact his office online or dial (214) 691-2614.