How long is recovery from dental bone grafting?
Dental implants are firmly held into the jawbone, providing sturdy support for crowns and bridges. The support of the jawbone is integral to the successful functioning of the dental implant, which needs to be strong and resilient to withstand the forces of chewing. Sometimes, however, a patient’s jawbone may be too fragile or thin to adequately accommodate a dental implant and allow it to function effectively. If this is the case, the dentist may perform a Alexandria bone grafting procedure before placing the dental implant in the jawbone. There are a few factors that can contribute to the need for a bone graft, and there are also a few factors that contribute to the smoothness of the healing process.
When a person’s tooth falls out, the bone where that tooth was rooted slowly begins to lose density. This happens because the root of a healthy tooth stimulates bone growth, and, when the tooth is removed, the bone ceases growing and begins to reabsorb into the body. If the tooth is replaced with a dental implant very shortly after it is removed or falls out, the bone is likely to remain healthy and intact. If, however, the tooth has been missing long enough for the bone to start to reabsorb, the dentist may need to perform a bone graft before placing the dental implant, creating a healthy, sturdy foundation for the implant. Any time a patient doesn’t have enough bone mass in their jaw to securely support a dental implant, a dentist may perform a bone graft.
Dental bone grafting procedures can use a variety of materials. While some grafts involve removing bone from one area of the patient’s mouth, or elsewhere, and placing it into the required area of the jaw, other grafts may use animal bone or a biocompatible synthetic material. The bone grafting procedure is performed while the patient is anesthetized and sedated and therefore is not painful. Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort and swelling, though significant pain is rarely reported. Following a bone graft, it is very important to prevent infection so that the bone can fully heal; therefore, patients will usually be given a course of oral antibiotics.
Recovering from a dental bone graft can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on the age and health of the patient and the type of surgery performed. The grafted bone must completely fuse to the natural bone before a dental implant can be placed, and this healing process is monitored by the dentist at follow-up appointments and usually takes about three months, though it may take longer, depending on the location and type of graft and the age and overall health of the patient. Discomfort and swelling from the grafting procedure will subside well before the area is fully healed, and risk of infection passes once the course of antibiotics is completed. If you are considering dental implants but are concerned about the amount of healthy bone you have in your jaw, talk to your dentist about whether a bone grafting procedure is a good choice for you.