As part of the dental implant process, your periodontist may need to perform bone grafting to ensure that enough bone is present to support the implant posts. If you’re currently preparing for bone grafting, then it’s important to make sure that you have a clear idea of what to expect afterward. Below is a quick look at what every patient needs to know about the bone grafting recovery process.
How Much Downtime is Needed After Bone Grafting?
You will need to spend some time resting at home after your bone grafting procedure. The exact amount of downtime needed can vary from patient to patient. Many individuals only need one or two days of rest while others may need to stay home for at least a week. Your periodontist can give you an estimate of how much time you’ll need to take off work based on your circumstances.
How Much Discomfort is Normal After Bone Grafting?
People who have dental bone grafting performed typically experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising afterward. These symptoms tend to be mild, and they should gradually fade on their own as your mouth heals. You should be able to manage your discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Be sure to let your periodontist know immediately if the discomfort gets worse or lasts longer than expected.
What Will Your Diet Look Like After Bone Grafting?
At the start of the recovery process, you’ll need to avoid eating foods that are hard, crunchy, or spicy. It’s best to stick to a diet of soft or liquid foods; yogurt, scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, and bananas can all be good choices. You can also have broth or strained soup as long as it’s cool or lukewarm.
How Can You Maintain Good Oral Hygiene After Bone Grafting?
While your mouth is healing from a bone graft, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing with salt water a few times a day. This helps kill bacteria and lowers the risk of an infection occurring. You can also brush and floss your teeth like normal, but it’s important to exercise caution while doing so; you need to be very careful when cleaning around the treatment site.
If there’s anything else you want to know about recovery following your bone grafting treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your periodontist. The more information you have, the easier it will be to take care of your mouth and ensure that the healing process goes as planned.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman studied dentistry at Temple University and earned his Master of Dental Surgery in periodontology at the University of Tennessee. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a faculty study club member and study club leader for Spear Education. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, he offers a comprehensive menu of periodontal services, including bone grafting and dental implant placement. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
