Bone grafting in dentistry is a procedure that helps repair bone issues, aid in proper healing, and even fuse neighboring teeth to relieve dental pain. Healing is an important part of dental bone graft surgery, and it happens in the form of stages explained further in detail.
Stages of Dental Bone Graft Healing
1. Stitches/Dental Suture
Stitches are a common part of the dental bone grafting procedure; they are used to fasten the tissue on the grafting site.
A bone graft technique provides structural stability by filling the tissue before the procedure. It is crucial not to pull your cheeks or lips to inspect the site, as it may result in the stitches coming undone, exposing the graft and leading to unnecessary pain, in turn hindering the healing process.
2. Bleeding Out
You may see some amount of blood oozing out after the bone graft procedure. Do not fret; use tea bags, gauze, or tannic acid as per your dentist’s recommendation for this purpose.
3. Swelling
Swelling around the gums, teeth, mouth, eyes, cheeks, and sides of the face is a common occurrence after dental bone grafting. The swelling is most noticeable within the first 24 to 48 hours and is generally not a cause for concern. To alleviate swelling and discomfort, you can apply ice to both sides of your face for about 30 minutes at a time.
4. Pain
Expect to experience some degree of pain after a bone grafting procedure. It is better to start on pain medication prescribed to you as soon as you feel even the slightest discomfort.
It would be best to plan how to proactively manage the pain rather than wait for it to become severe. In some circumstances, you may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
5. Oral hygiene and Healing
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for promoting healing and preventing infection following a bone grafting procedure. Ask your dentist for the set of instructions on how to care for your teeth after dental grafting.
This may include gentle rinsing with warm saltwater multiple times a day to promote healing without disrupting the bone graft.
Advantages of Bone Grafting in Dental Implants
Bone grafting offers several advantages when it comes to dental implants:
- Long-term tooth replacement.
- Enhanced implant stability.
- Jawbone reconstruction
- Facial aesthetics preservation
Disadvantages
There are a few drawbacks to think about with bone grafting:
- Risk of bone resorption
- Gum appearance
- Artificial bone properties
Closing Note
You can contact Pasadena Oral Surgery for more information on the bone grafting procedure. Dial (281) 299-0053 to connect with us.