What Is The Time Needed To Recover From Bone Graft Surgery?

People with missing teeth and considering tooth replacements often consider dental implants is the best option available. They are supported by the findings of dentists who regularly recommend dental implants as the most natural-looking tooth replacements available.

The procedure for having dental implants inserted requires the patient to have adequate jawbone in the upper or lower jaw where the implant is planned. However many patients do not have the needed bone structure and are suggested dental bone graft surgery by the oral surgeon to ensure stability for the implants that will be inserted.

People with missing teeth will already be concerned about the gaps in their mouths and the expenditure they are undergoing to have the dental implants inserted. Asking them to undergo a further procedure like a dental bone graft to provide stability to the dental implant will only heap upon patients more anxiety making them wonder whether they have made the right choice. However dental bone graft becomes essential when patients have an inadequate bone in the jaw and the procedure needs to be performed by the oral surgeon in the patient’s mouth.

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is an operative procedure to place fresh bone substitutes of bone into spaces around bone defects or even a broken bone. It is similar to an artificial tooth being placed on the dental implant after it has fused with the jawbone to allow the patient an opportunity to begin smiling again.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

A bone graft will be performed by taking bone from different parts of the patient’s body in a procedure that is known as an autograft. The bone needed can also be taken from frozen or donated allograft. Many cases have been noted when man-made synthetic bone substitutes are also used.

The patient will not experience any pain or discomfort because he or she will be administered general anesthesia because this is an invasive surgery.

During the procedure, the oral surgeon will make an incision over the area by the bone that needs to be substituted. The bone needed for the grafting is generally taken from spaces nearby it is to be placed but most commonly it is obtained from the pelvis. The bone graft is shaped and inserted into and around the area where the dental implant will be placed. It will be held in place with pins, screws, or plates.

Why Is the Procedure Performed?

The procedure is usually performed to fuse joints and to prevent movement which is an essential requirement of dental implants. It is also performed to repair broken bones or fractures that have suffered bone loss or to repair injured bone that for some reason is not healing.

Are There Any Risks Involved with the Procedure?

The most common risks that are involved in a bone graft include problems with anesthesia and surgery in the form of reactions to medicines and breathing problems, bleeding, blood clots, and infection.

The risks of the surgery itself may include pain at the site of the body from where the bone was removed, injury to the nerves near the bone grafting area, and stiffness in the area after the procedure.

How to Prepare for the Procedure?

Discuss with your oral surgeon and provide information about any medications you are taking this may include medicines, over-the-counter drugs, supplements and any herbal medications you are taking without a prescription. You will be provided instructions to stop blood thinners if you are taking them to prevent increased bleeding during the surgery.

On the day of the procedure, you must follow the instructions provided by the surgeon and avoid eating or drink at least 8 to 10 hours before the surgery. Any medications provided to you must be taken with a small sip of water and care must be taken to are at the hospital at the scheduled time by the oral surgeon.

The Recovery Time after the Procedure

The time needed for the recovery will depend on the size of the bone graft or the defect being treated. Your recovery may require two weeks to 3 months but the bone graft itself will require three months to heal. However, you will be advised not to indulge in extensive exercises for at least six months and to keep the area of the bone graft clean and dry. Most importantly you will be instructed not to smoke and even remove any nicotine patches from your body by Whitaker Family Dentistry because tobacco and nicotine both can delay the healing process making it more difficult for you to get the dental implants you are looking for.

A bone graft is a surgery that is needed to provide stability to the dental implant that you plan to have inserted. It will take some time for the healing but you should be ready for the procedure because it will eventually make it possible for you to have the dental implant and begin smiling graciously.