How Long is Recovery from Dental Bone Grafting?

Bone Grafting

 

Bone grafting is a common procedure which may be used prior to dental implant surgery. It adds support to the jawbone when it cannot adequately support an implant. The jawbone must have sufficient support for a dental implant as it experiences significant pressure when patients are chewing. When the patient does not have enough jawbone needed to support the implant, it can put the implant at a high risk for failure.

 

Tooth and Bone Loss

 

It is important to understand the bone grafting procedure in order to review the expected recovery timeline. Following tooth loss, it is common for the supporting bone to begin to become less dense. During routine use, the tooth works to stimulate the jawbone. When the loss is gone, it can quickly result in bone resorption or loss. In order to prevent bone loss and maintain a healthy jawbone, it is important for patients to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. The prompt replacement of a missing tooth often helps patients avoid the need for a bone graft.

 

In most cases, a bone graft is performed prior to the patient undergoing dental implant surgery. In order to ensure the implant is successful, it is vital that patients have the bone mass needed to support the implant. In cases where the patient has adequate jawbone structure required to support the implant; they will not need to undergo the bone grafting procedure.

 

Grafting Materials

 

It is common for bone grafting to involve the dental professional removing bone from one area of the patient’s mouth and placing it in the designated location which has experienced bone loss. In addition to using the patient’s own bone during the grafting process, other types of materials can also be used. Grafting materials may include donor human bone, often obtained from a cadaver, bone obtained from an animal, and synthetic materials.

 

It is important for patients to consider the benefits and challenges associated with each type of grafting material. A patient may want to use their own bone for grafting; however, this will extend the overall recovery. Animal bone or synthetic material may also be excellent options in some cases. Patients must work with their provider to determine which material will best meet their specific grafting needs.

 

Medication

 

Patients are often prescribed antibiotics after they undergo bone grafting to help prevent infection. Pain medication may also be prescribed by the provider, but most patients are able to use an over-the-counter pain medication to manage their pain.

 

Recovery

 

Various factors impact the expected recovery from bone grafting. This can include variables such as the grafting materials, type of surgery performed, age of the patient, and the patient’s general health. In order to ensure a successful recovery, it is critical that patients follow the aftercare instructions provided by the dental team. The recovery for bone grafting ranges from about two weeks to two months.

 

If the patient is receiving a dental implant after the bone graft, they must wait until the graft fuses to the jawbone. This step is vital to the success of the implant. On average, it takes the bone a few months to completely heal. Following a bone graft, the patient will have regular checkups with the dental professional to monitor the healing process and ensure the bone graft is successful.

 

Bone grafting is an effective treatment in the restoration of damaged bones. It allows patients with bone loss to receive a dental implant and restore their oral health.

 

Call today to speak with the team and determine if you may benefit from bone grafting. The team looks forward to discussing questions on the procedure and expected recovery in addition to any other questions you may have.

How Much Does Dental Bone Grafting Cost?