Before you can get dental implants for missing teeth, you may need to have a dental bone graft to create a sturdy foundation for the dental implants. A bone graft is a routine procedure that usually requires a day or two to recover. Keep reading to learn more about the healing process and how you can prepare in the days before the procedure so you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
What to Expect During a Bone Graft
A bone graft is recommended if the jaw bone is weak in the area where a dental implant will be placed. Bone may have been lost due to infection from gum disease or simply as a result of missing teeth.
To perform a bone graft, your periodontist will take bone from an outside source – usually from elsewhere in your mouth – and place it into the area where bone is lacking. Sutures will be used to close the incision site. You can be sedated during this process to ensure you remain completely comfortable throughout.
Over the next several months, the new bone will heal together with the existing bone to create a strong base for dental implants.
Take All Medications As Directed
You may be prescribed an antibiotic to take before and/or after your procedure. This will help to prevent any infection from developing and delaying the healing process. Make sure that you take anything your dentist has prescribed exactly as directed.
Use An Ice Pack
Inflammation is to be expected after any oral procedure, but there are ways to reduce it. In the first 24 hours following the procedure, your dentist will probably advise you to use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Use a traditional ice pack that you can buy at the pharmacy or place ice cubes into a plastic sack or ziploc bag. Just make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel to reduce the risk of injury to the skin.
Eat Soft Foods
As your mouth heals in the days following the procedure, you should avoid eating foods that are hard, chewy, or crunchy. It is best to stick to a soft foods diet – items like yogurt, bread, soft fruits/vegetables (banana, avocado, etc.), and creamy soups are usually perfectly safe. Chew on the other side of your mouth until you feel comfortable eating normally.
In short, a bone graft is a routine procedure that you will heal from quickly. If you have any questions specific to your case, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist!
Meet the Practice
Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists are striving for excellence in periodontics and dental implants. Dr. Geoff B. Haradon and Dr. Karl P. Lackler bring years of hands-on experience and academic training to their practice, and they look forward to helping their patients rebuild their smiles with quality dental implants. To learn more about this option or for questions about bone grafting, do not hesitate to reach out. They can be contacted via their website or by calling (719) 574-4867.