What to Expect When Recovering from a Dental Bone Graft

Dental implants are one of the best available solutions for replacing missing teeth, as they’re able to fully restore lost pearly whites in terms of look, feel, and functionality. That said, not just anybody can receive dental implants—in some cases, a dental bone graft might be necessary first. If your dentist has informed you that you’ll need a bone graft before you can receive dental implants, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Here’s some insight into why this procedure is sometimes necessary, along with what you can expect following one.

Why Dental Bone Grafts Are Sometimes Necessary

A dental bone graft is a procedure that’s sometimes necessary for patients who need dental implants, but don’t have the sufficient jawbone density for supporting them. Since dental implants replace your missing teeth from their roots to their crown, your jaw must be strong enough to support the constant motion and pressure of biting, chewing, talking, and more. If there isn’t enough healthy bone for your implants to fuse with, they will ultimately fail!

This is where dental bone grafts come in handy; your dentist can borrow bone from another part of your body (usually somewhere else in your mouth) and use it to fortify existing bone in your jaw. Sometimes bone grafts are used to treat other issues that might negatively affect your implants, such as severe gum disease.

What To Expect During the Recovery Period

A dental bone graft will always require some time to heal afterwards, no matter how major or minor the procedure. This recovery period can take anywhere from several months to a year or so, depending on the size of the graft, the defect being treated, and the patient’s overall health and healing ability. Initially following a bone graft, you might notice swelling or bruising in the face around the site of the surgery.

Tips for Recovering from a Dental Bone Graft

The following tips can make your recovery process much easier:

• Get plenty of rest to assist your body with the healing process.
• Avoid intense exercise and physical activity following the procedure, as it can increase your body’s blood flow and cause bleeding in your surgical site.
• Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
• Apply cold compresses/ice packs to reduce swelling near the surgical site.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, as these items can greatly inhibit your body’s natural healing capabilities.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods initially and stick to a soft-food and liquid diet.
• Follow your provider’s instructions concerning keeping the site of the bone graft clean and dry.
• Keep up with your regular check-ups throughout the healing process to ensure things are going as planned.

When it comes to recovering from a dental bone graft, being patient is arguably the most important thing you can do; though the process might seem lengthy and even a little tedious, it’s certain to set up your future implants for lasting success.

About the Author

The team at Signature Smiles is honored to serve patients and families in the Edison, NJ area under the leadership of Dr. Hiren H. Shah. Dr. Shah received his dental doctorate from New York University and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including dental implants. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, don’t hesitate to reach out online or over the phone: (908) 834-8448.