When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are in a class of their own. However, getting dental implants isn’t always a simple matter; sometimes a dental bone graft is necessary before your dentist can get the ball rolling. But this is nothing to worry about! In fact, it will help to ensure the ultimate success of your future implants! Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect during and following a dental bone graft.
What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is a procedure that’s sometimes necessary for patients who need dental implants, but don’t have sufficient jawbone density for supporting them. Since dental implants replace your missing teeth, your jaw must be strong enough to support the constant motion of chewing, biting, talking, and other regular motion. If there isn’t enough bone to support and healthily fuse with your implants, they will ultimately fail!
Fortunately, dental bone grafts offer a viable solution! Your dentist will borrow bone from another part of your body—usually somewhere in your mouth—and use it to fortify the existing bone in your jaw. They will make a small incision where the new bone is going and gently place it, where it will slowly begin to integrate with the existing bone, strengthening it over time. Sometimes dental bone grafts can also be used to treat gum disease, as severe gum disease can cause massive bone loss.
Tips for Recovering from a Dental Bone Graft
A dental bone graft will require some time to heal afterward, no matter how major or minor the procedure. This recovery period can take anywhere from several months to over a year. That said, consider the following to make this process easier on you:
- Get plenty of rest to assist your body with healing properly.
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling near the surgical site.
- Avoid hard and chewy foods and stick to a soft-food diet. Also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco, as these products can inhibit your body’s natural healing process.
- Avoid intense exercise and physical activity, as it can increase your body’s blood flow and cause bleeding in your surgical site.
If you’re interested in dental implants but your dentist has informed you that you’ll need a dental bone graft first, there’s no reason to fret. This procedure will certainly help to ensure the success of your future implants, and the recovery process is straightforward and manageable!
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem proudly serves patients and families in the Williamstown area! Dr. Kassem received his dental doctorate from Temple University and completed his General Residency program at Kings County Hospital in NYC. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions about dental bone grafting or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact Dr. Kassem through his website or by phone: (856) 818-9998.
