4 Things to Know Before a Dental Bone Graft

From tooth replacement to advanced gum disease, the dental bone graft procedure can be used as a solution to a few different problems. However, our Washington, MI, dentist will only recommend treatment of this type if it is absolutely necessary and will positively benefit your oral health.

Here are 4 pieces of information to keep in mind if you find yourself in need of a dental bone graft.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft & Why Is It Needed?

Though it may sound scary, a dental bone graft is nothing to fear. Its purpose is to restore bone where it is needed most in the jaw. For example, if you lost one or more teeth and bone loss has resulted because of that. The grafting procedure then works to add support to the area.

Dr. Lesinski may also advise you to receive a dental bone graft if you:

• Need dental implants placed
• Have significant bone loss due to gum disease or infection
• Experienced dental trauma
• Require a tooth extraction

Prior to a Bone Graft, You Should Consider That:

1) There are Multiple Types

Just as there are different types of general bone grafts, there are also various types of dental bone grafts. In particular, there are 4 main types:

• Socket Preservation
• Ridge Augmentation
• Sinus Lift
• Periodontal Bone Graft

Socket preservation is recommended for patients who have just had a tooth extracted. The bone material is placed in the open socket right soon after the tooth is pulled. For restorative options like implants, a ridge augmentation is performed. This procedure builds up the jawbone with respect to width and volume so it can provide a stable foundation.

As far as the other two types are concerned, a sinus lift may be necessary if the upper back teeth are missing and a periodontal bone graft repairs damage done by gum disease. Each procedure may differ in terms of its details but all dental bone grafts work to restore the jaw and make it stronger.

2) Complete Healing Is Often Required Before Next Steps

Unfortunately, your mouth will need time to heal prior to any dental restorations. That means if you have a bone graft, you can’t just jump right into the dental implant procedure. Dr. Lesinski will discuss with you the healing process and what you can expect following a bone graft.

It’s natural for some discomfort, swelling, and bruising to occur afterwards but those side effects should resolve within a few days. You may be prescribed antibiotics and instructed to take pain medication depending on your individual situation.

While it may take months before you’re ready to receive a dental implant, your jaw should begin to feel normal after a couple weeks. Dr. Lesinski will want to check in on your progress periodically to make sure your healing is going as planned.

3) It’s Not as Painful As You May Think

At Washington Family Dental, we never want our patients to feel pain during a procedure. When you undergo a dental bone graft, it’s no different. Dr. Lesinski will administer a local anesthetic to the area so it remains numb throughout treatment. We also have dental sedation available should you require additional relaxation.

If you notice pain during the procedure or have prolonged discomfort after it’s complete, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are here to accommodate you as the patient and will take the steps necessary to ensure you are comfortable.

4) Aftercare Is Straightforward

Recovery after a dental bone graft is nothing too involved. Aside from giving yourself time to properly heal, Dr. Lesinski recommends you steer clear of certain foods, drinks, and intense physical activity i.e., contact sports at least for a few days.

Other tips for your initial recovery period include:

• Applying an ice pack to your cheek to help pain or swelling
• Choosing soft or bland foods (nothing hard, crunchy, or spicy)
• Avoiding hot liquids like soup or coffee
• Sleeping slightly elevated during the 1-2 nights to prevent blood collecting at the incision site

Questions? We Have Answers!

If you’d like to know more about an upcoming dental bone graft procedure, look no further. Our dentist in Washington, MI, can help give you the answers you need prior to your treatment so you know what to expect. Call Washington Family Dental today at (586) 752-4545 or contact us online.