Missing one or more teeth can make it difficult to complete daily tasks, including eating, speaking, and smiling. The good news is that there are several tooth replacement options out there that can restore your smile to health, including dental implants. However, if your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support a dental implant, you may need a bone graft ahead of time. Here is everything you need to know about bone grafts and some tips to help you recover quickly.
When Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a procedure that’s completed in order to place fresh bone substitutes into the spaces around bone defects. Typically, the dentist will take bone from another part of a patient’s body, usually in the mouth. An incision is made where the bone is placed. Over the next few months, the new bone integrates with the existing bone tissue as the new cells grow together.
Why Are Dental Bone Grafts Necessary?
When you have suffered from tooth loss, experience tooth damage, or endured trauma in your mouth, it may be necessary for you to get a bone graft before moving forward in the process of getting dental implants. This is because dental implants need a strong, supportive foundation to be successful, meaning a sufficient jawbone. If you don’t have strong, healthy bone tissue in the area of your missing tooth, you won’t be able to support a new dental implant.
5 Bone Graft Recovery Tips
Here are a handful of tips that can help with your bone graft recovery process:
- Slow bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after your procedure. To reduce this, keep a gauze pad over the surgical site and bite for about an hour.
- Reduce inflammation: You might experience swelling in the area. Try placing a cold compress on your cheek on the side where you had the bone graft. Cool the area in 30-minute intervals for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Take medications: Take all recommended over-the-counter and prescribed medications as directed by your dentist.
- Eat carefully: Drink plenty of liquids, and eat soft foods. Avoid the use of straws.
- Rest: Be sure that you’re getting plenty of rest.
To give your implants the best chance of success, a bone graft may be the answer. With some time, patients, and by using the tips listed above, you will be showing off your restored smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Charles Fana is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Louisville and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Georgia Dental Association, Southeastern District Dental Society, and Savannah Dental Society. For more information on bone grafts or to schedule an appointment at his office in Savannah, visit his website or call (912) 352-3955.
