If you are beginning the process of getting dental implants, one of the first stops on your journey may be a bone graft procedure. This treatment is designed to restore lost bone density in the jaw to make it strong enough to support your new prosthetics. Here’s why this procedure is so important, and what you can expect in the following days and months after it happens.
What is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a procedure wherein small portions of bone are taken from your jaw, other areas of your body, or from donor tissue, and used to rebuild a jawbone that has deteriorated from lack of stimulation due to missing teeth. It transplants healthy bone tissue into the area that will be receiving the prosthetic, helping to reinforce it so your dental implant has a stronger foundation and better odds for survival.
What Happens After a Bone Graft?
Once you’ve completed your bone graft, now begins the healing process. This is a crucial step in your dental implant treatment timeline. Though each patient is different, plan on it taking between six to nine months to heal completely from your procedure. This will allow your jaw time to heal, the transplanted bone to integrate, and for it to strengthen enough to support your future dental implant.
Though the healing itself will not hurt, your mouth will likely be sore from the initial surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication as well as antibiotics. The good news is that many patients who take them as directed experience very little to no pain during recovery.
It is of the utmost importance that you follow the aftercare instructions from your oral surgeon as closely as possible. These will help ensure that you heal quickly and reduce your risk of complications. Be sure to eat a soft diet, avoid anything hot or spicy, and avoid chewing near the surgical sites in the first few weeks after surgery.
Can My Bone Graft Fall Out?
Sometimes, patients will notice small particles of bone in their mouth near the graft site. This is completely normal and does not mean your bone graft is falling out. A more common danger is loose sutures or stitches before your incision has healed. This can occur if you bite down on anything too hard near the surgical site. If this does happen, call your oral surgeon as soon as possible to have the incision restitched.
Remember, with a little patience and excellent adherence to your surgical aftercare instructions, healing from a bone graft should be fairly easy and uncomplicated. If you have any questions or concerns about this important step in your dental implant journey, speak to your surgical team for more information!
About Our Practice
At Richardson Oral Surgery Center, Dr. Ahn and Dr. Cooper want to help restore your healthy, beautiful smile. If you need a bone graft to help strengthen your jaw in anticipation of dental implants, they are proud to offer this step right here, in house. Bone grafts can fortify the jawbone, giving your prosthetics a more solid foundation and better odds for survival. To schedule a consultation for bone grafting or any other stage of dental implant treatment, visit our website or call us today at 469-991-7866.