In order to ensure that there is enough bone density in your jaw to support dental implants, your periodontist may need to perform a bone grafting procedure. Once the treatment is complete, your mouth will need time to completely heal. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you can expect during this process so that you can minimize discomfort and avoid complications; as such, here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when recovering after a bone grafting procedure.
Will There Be Discomfort After Bone Grafting?
You shouldn’t have to worry about discomfort during the actual bone grafting procedure since a local anesthetic will be administered to keep your mouth numb. That said, it’s normal to experience some soreness after the anesthetic has worn off. You can generally expect the discomfort to fade away in about one to two weeks. Until then, you should take any pain medication that your periodontist prescribed to you.
Will You Need to Take Time Off From Work?
It’s essential to give your body time to rest after bone grafting, so you should generally plan on taking some time off. Many patients will be able to return to work after just one or two days. However, depending on your circumstances, it may be necessary to wait at least a week before you return to your normal routine.
What Can You Eat After Bone Grafting?
You should plan on eating only soft and liquid foods for a while after your bone grafting procedure. Some good options include pasta, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Make a point of avoiding any foods that are especially hot or spicy; they could end up increasing the risk of bleeding. Also, when you chew your food, be careful to keep it away from the surgical site.
How Should I Clean My Teeth After Bone Grafting?
After the first 24 hours following bone grafting, you should be able to brush and floss your teeth like you normally would. However, you will need to avoid brushing directly on the site where the procedure was performed. In addition to your normal oral hygiene practices, you can also periodically rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This can help with the healing process and make infections less likely to occur.
Are you still uncertain about what you can expect after your bone grafting procedure? Feel free to let your periodontist know if you have any questions. They’ll make sure that you have all the facts you need to ensure that the recovery process goes smoothly.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, which is where he received his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and belongs to a number of professional organizations. In addition to replacing missing teeth with dental implants, he also offers bone grafting for patients with bone loss in their jaws. If you need the services of a skilled periodontist, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman at Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
