Bone Grafting Recovery Before Dental Implants

If you’re ready to invest in the next best thing to your real teeth with dental implants, you may not have expected to need bone grafting. Although it adds another step to your treatment plan, a strong jawbone is vital for the long-term success of your new smile. While it may take you a little longer to have your placement surgery, you can promote a quick recovery after bone grafting by using a few tips and tricks. 

What to Expect After Bone Grafting Surgery

You won’t feel any pain immediately after your surgery until the effects of any sedatives and numbing agents dissipate. Your dentist will review your aftercare instructions before you go home, like taking a prescribed or OTC pain reliever.

Your dental team will place gauze pads over the treatment site to control bleeding. It also allows for a blood clot to form, which is necessary for a complication-free recovery. 

After leaving your dentist’s office, it’s important to go home and rest for the next 24 to 48 hours. 

It’s important to keep your mouth clean to prevent infections, but don’t use an electric toothbrush or rinse your mouth vigorously. Gently brush and floss your teeth around the surgical sites.

Phases of Bone Grafting Recovery 

Bone doesn’t grow overnight, which means you can expect your recovery to occur in two phases, which include:

Initial Recovery

Your dentist will instruct you to stick to a liquid diet for 1 or more days. Avoid anything hot, cold, or acidic to prevent irritating the healing tissue. 

Although you’ll need to drink plenty of liquids, don’t use a straw because it can dislodge the blood clot forming at the treatment site prematurely, which can delay healing. After a few days, you can introduce softer foods, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups.

It’s normal to have some tenderness, which can be managed using a pain reliever. Applying a cold compress to your mouth can numb the area temporarily, while also reducing inflammation and bruising. 

Healing Stage

Your mouth will be healed on the surface in about 14 days, but it will take a few more weeks for your jawbone to integrate with the graft. Your dentist will monitor your healing progression to determine the best time to move forward with your placement surgery.

The timeline for recovering from a bone graft varies from patient to patient. Your road to recovery will be short by following your dentist’s aftercare instructions and avoiding anything that can delay healing, like smoking or drinking alcohol. In no time at all, you’ll be one step closer to completing your smile with a dental implant.

About Dr. Dakota Goodrum

Dr. Goodrum earned his dental degree from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his education in advanced specialties, like dental implants. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, supporting his commitment to excellence. If you are ready to replace your missing teeth, contact our office through our website or call (412) 504-7156 to request an appointment.