What You Should Know About Recovering from A Dental Bone Graft

Dental implants have completely revolutionized modern dentistry! They are the premier option when it comes to replacing missing teeth, able to perfectly restore your pearly whites. That said, in some cases a dental bone graft might be necessary before you can get your implants—but if your dentist has informed you that you’ll need a bone graft, it isn’t something you need to worry about! In fact, it will greatly help to ensure the success of your future implants. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect while recovering from a dental bone graft.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

Dental implants rely heavily on your jawbone having enough density to support them; and a dental bone graft is the secret to making this a reality. It is a procedure used to fortify and strengthen the existing jawbone using bone material borrowed from another part of your body—usually somewhere in your mouth. Your dentist will make a small incision where the new bone is going and gently place it, where it’ll slowly integrate with the existing bone over the next few months, bolstering the entire jawbone. This procedure is useful not just for patients undergoing dental implant surgery, but also those who’ve suffered from severe gum disease, physical injury or trauma, and even developmental defects.

Tips For Recovering from a Dental Bone Graft

Dental bone grafts require some time to heal afterward, no matter how minor or major the procedure. Recovery times can vary from a few months to over a year. That said, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier on you:

• Rest – Getting plenty of rest allows your body to heal properly.
• Take pain relievers as necessary – Over-the-counter painkillers can help with minor discomfort. Your dentist may also prescribe stronger medicine to assist with relief.
• Avoid hard and chewy foods – Stick to a soft-food diet as recommended by your dentist and be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco – These products can inhibit your body’s natural healing process.
• Use a cold compress – Icing the surgical site with a cold compress can greatly help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Avoid intense exercise – Physical activity increases your body’s blood flow, which can sometimes cause bleeding in your surgical site.
• Attend your follow-up visits – Your dentist needs to ensure that everything is healing correctly!

If you need a dental bone graft before receiving implants, don’t panic—this procedure will help to ensure the success of your implants once you receive them. In the meantime, recovering from the bone graft should prove straightforward if you follow these tips and take care of your mouth.

About the Practice

At Blue Coast Dental, their skilled team of specialists go above and beyond to provide all their patients with an elite level of treatment. The practice is proud to serve the dental needs of the Torrance area under the leadership of four incredible dentists: Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour, Dr. George Cho, Dr. Maria Galvan, and Dr. Pedram Marhabi! If you have any questions about dental bone grafts or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or give them a call at (310) 424-3100.