Dental bone grafting is a procedure commonly performed before a dental implant is installed to replace missing teeth. The procedure is performed by a dentist with the goal of strengthening and thickening the jawbone. If you are missing teeth and need a dental implant, you may be a candidate for dental bone grafting. Before the procedure it is important to understand what you can expect and how long the recovery is for it. Read on to learn more about dental bone grafting and the recovery time associated with it.
Dental Bone Grafting
Dental bone grafts often become necessary after someone loses a tooth. When this happens, the bone underneath the tooth begins to lose its density because of a loss of stimulation to the jawbone. This can lead to numerous challenges, including changes to your facial structure and the inability to support necessary dental procedures.
Certain tooth replacement options, like dental implants, require sufficient bone density to work. Dental implants are effective and popular prosthetics that are designed to replace missing teeth. They are anchored into the jawbone with a post. The prosthetic tooth is then attached to the post. This provides a solid foundation which allows it to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Because of the post, the jawbone needs to be thick enough to support it. If the jawbone has deteriorated too far, a bone graft is required.
Bone grafting involves the dentist removing bone from one place or using donor bone from another source and attaching it to the area of the jawbone needing the graft. Over time, the bone and donor bone fuse together. This forms a more solid bone that can support an implant.
Dental Bone Grafting Recovery
The bone grafting procedure is likely to cause some discomfort following the procedure. You will be numb during the procedure and not feel any discomfort, but once the anesthesia wears off some pain is normal.
You will likely be prescribed antibiotics from your dentist to help prevent infection. The dentist will also likely recommend pain management medications and practices to help lessen the discomfort. Over time, the discomfort will ease, and you will be able to go about your normal routines and diet.
Generally, most people fully recover in between 2 weeks and 2 months. This will vary from person to person however, based on factors such as age, overall oral and general health, and the amount of bone grafting that needed to be performed. There are several factors that influence the length of recovery. In general, healthy people who are younger tend to heal faster. Similarly, people who do not smoke or drink tend to heal faster. Additionally, the amount of bone grafting done can significantly impact the recovery time. Therefore, the amount of time between tooth loss and tooth replacement is very important.
Next Steps
Speak with your dentist today if you are need of bone grafting. They will be able to walk you through the procedure and let you know what you might expect during your recovery.