Dental implants are often considered the “gold standard” when it comes to replacing missing teeth. This is because they restore the entire structure of the lost tooth, from its roots to its chewing surface – which is something that traditional restoration options cannot do. That said, not every patient with missing teeth is immediately eligible for dental implants; those with insufficient jawbone dentistry must undergo a preliminary procedure known as a dental bone graft beforehand. Here’s a closer look at this process and what the recovery portion entails, to give you a better idea of what to expect!
Dental Bone Grafting: An Overview
Bone grafting is a common surgical procedure in the world of medicine, and it has a very specific use when it comes to dentistry. One of the most obvious and detrimental effects of tooth loss is bone resorption that occurs in the jaw. When teeth are lost, the gaps left in the jaw stop receiving stimulation and nutrients, causing the bone itself to shrink and deteriorate.
Thankfully, dental bone grafts can reverse this! By using donor bone, often from another part of the patient’s body or a different natural or synthetic source, dentists can actually fortify existing areas of the jawbone that have suffered from bone resorption.
There are several different types of dental bone grafts, but a few of the most common types include sinus lifts, as well as socket and lateral ridge preservation grafts. In any case, which type of bone graft you receive will depend on how long you’ve been missing teeth, the current state of your jawbone, and how many dental implants will be needed.
What Does the Recovery Period Look Like?
The bone graft healing process is fairly straightforward. As with any form of oral surgery, you’ll be numbed before a small incision is made in the gums to place the graft – however, your gums may feel sore after surgery. Generally, patients can manage this with over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses, though you’ll want to follow any specific instructions provided by your dentist.
Most patients can expect the surgical site to heal within a week or so after the surgery, but each case is highly variable, and the process itself can take several full months to complete. In the months following your bone graft, you’ll have to be careful to facilitate proper healing – only once the new bone has merged with the old will you be able to return for your dental implant surgery.
Though you can’t technically speed up the recovery period, you can do a lot to ensure things go smoothly. Stick to a soft foods diet and avoid spicy or extremely hot foods following your procedure. You should also avoid chewing on the surgical site or using a drinking straw, since the suction can disrupt the blood clot(s) that form.
A bone graft might seem like a huge step that’s getting in the way of rebuilding your smile with dental implants, but it’s not being suggested without a good reason. Your jaw needs to be ready to host your implant posts, and sometimes, it needs a little extra help getting there.
About the Practice
Our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates is here to help you rebuild your smile and ensure that you’re able to enjoy life with a full set of beautiful, functional teeth once more! We offer a wide range of services, including full-service dental implants as well as preliminary procedures like bone grafts. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up a consultation, please reach out online or over the phone for information or assistance: (774) 220-7355.
