If your dentist has determined that you are a potential candidate for dental implants, you will likely need to go through a bone grafting procedure first. Bone grafting may be necessary if your jaw bone needs some extra reinforcement to support the incoming implant. What should you expect after a dental bone graft?
During the bone grafting procedure, parts of bone are removed from your jaw or another part of your body. Then they are transplanted to the area of your jawbone that needs additional support.
Afterward, you can expect a bit of a waiting game. Our experts at Pearl Dental recommend waiting several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough to support the implant. This healing process can take a while, but the results will be worth it.
More details about what you can expect after your dental bone grafting procedure can be found below!
The Post-Bone Graft Process
Bone grafts are necessary, even if they seem slow and time-consuming. The procedure itself will require anesthesia, as this is a surgery that removes bone from your jaw. You need the help of a board-certified specialist to ensure the procedure is done correctly.
After a dental bone graft, you can expect some pain or discomfort. Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics and pain management medication to help you feel more comfortable during recovery, and to prevent infection.
Experts at Dental Depot report that most patients who take antibiotics throughout the recovery process do not feel any pain at all.
The main thing you need to focus on during this recovery process is patience. Unfortunately, the dentist must wait until your bone graft has completely fused with the natural bone in your mouth before the implant can be put in. You will be asked to come back several times for regular check-ups throughout the healing process to ensure everything is coming together smoothly.
Do You Always Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for a bone graft. It’s not always necessary to have bone grafting done before getting a dental implant put in. This is why it is so important to always schedule a personal consultation with your dentist before investing in this procedure. A thorough check-up will determine whether bone grafting is necessary for you.
Who is Bone Grafting Necessary For?
If you have lost a tooth, had tooth damage, or suffered trauma in your mouth, it may be necessary for you to have a bone graft before further treatments can be done. This is because the integrity of the damaged area deteriorates fast. So, it’s important to provide it with some reinforcement before adding implants.
Tooth loss equals bone loss. And the more your teeth have suffered, the weaker the bone in that area is. If you don’t have sufficient healthy bone in the surrounding area, you cannot naturally support the new implants.
Dental grafting is necessary when you have any kind of bone deficiency. Bone deficiency can be caused by a lot of ailments and events, including:
- Gum disease/periodontal disease
- Developmental issues or natural defects
- Empty space due to tooth loss or removal of teeth
- Injury or trauma to the face
When the integrity of your bone structure is at risk, a bone graft is the procedure that can save your mouth and your health. It will make it much easier to install dental implants, which will greatly improve your quality of life.
Restore Your Mouth to Normal Function!
Dealing with bone loss because of broken or missing teeth can have severe effects on your ability to live your everyday life. You may find it hard to speak, chew, swallow, or even smile. Fortunately, there are effective procedures that can help your mouth regrow and reinforce the strength of your teeth while giving you a new set of teeth to enjoy life with.
The longer you wait before addressing these serious issues, the harder it will be to provide treatment. If you are a likely candidate for a bone grafting procedure, get in touch with us ASAP for an appointment. You can request an appointment online, or you can give us a call at (909) 344-3543 to speak with a team member right away.
