Bone grafting is a procedure that is carried out by dentists if they think your jawbone is not thick enough to hold a dental implant in place. Bone grafting is done before the dental implant surgery. This is because the mouth’s chewing action exerts a lot of pressure on the bone. If, during this time, the bone cannot support the implant, dental implant surgery will fail. In this article, we’ll talk about bone graft surgery, especially how long it takes to recover from bone graft surgery…
What your dentist will do during bone grafting
During a bone grafting procedure, your dentist will make a necessary incision to install a piece of supplemental bone. This bone is attached to the surrounding bone, joints, and tissues, as needed. The bone is shaped depending on the size and location of the damage.
It is then secured with wires, pins, and screws. Once the installation is complete, the incision is closed with stitches and bandages are applied for healing. The bone graft can be obtained from various sources, such as:
Autograft: In this type of graft, the bone is harvested from another location inside your body. This could be from your wrist, pelvis, or ribs. This process requires multiple surgeries. However, it is appropriate for instances where regeneration is needed.
Allograft: In this type of graft, the bone is harvested from a cadaver or donor. In this instance, no living bone marrow is present, and so, the chances of the body rejecting the graft are low.
Synthetic Bone Graft: In this type of graft, a synthetic bone is created for the specific location.
Why bone grafting is performed
Bone grafting is performed for several reasons. Some of them are:
1.A bone graft can be used to strengthen the jawbone prior to dental implant surgery.
2.A bone graft can be carried out in the case of multiple or complex fractures or those that do not heal well even after initial treatment.
3.A bone graft can be carried when fusion of two bones is necessary. Fusion helps two bones to heal together at the site of a diseased joint. Fusion is most often carried out on the spine.
4.A bone graft is used for regeneration for bone lost to infection, disease, or injury. This can be done either for small amounts of bone in bone cavities, or for large sections of bones.
5.A bone graft can be used to help bone heal around surgically implanted devices, such as plates, screws, or joint replacements.
Possible risks of bone grafting
All surgical procedures involve risks of infection, bleeding and complications from anesthesia. Here are some of the additional risks that bone grafting carries:
1.Pain
2.Swelling
3.Rejection of the bone graft
4.Nerve injury
5.Inflammation
6.Reabsorption of the graft
You should speak to your dentist about these and other possible risks before opting for the bone graft procedure.
Recovery from bone grafting
Recovery from bone grafting depends on the size of the graft as well as several other factors. Typically, recovery may take anywhere from two weeks to over a year. The recovery period can depend on the type of surgery, your age, and your physical health. You may need to avoid strenuous physical activity post-surgery, for as long as your dentist suggests.
After the procedure, your dentist will most probably prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. Most patients who have undergone bone grafting are fine as long as they take antibiotics. If you need to undergo dental implant surgery after the bone grafting procedure, you will have to wait till the bone graft is fused with the bones in the mouth. This may take a few months.
In most instances, dentists ask their patients who have undergone the bone grafting procedure to visit for regular check-ups, during which they assess and monitor the healing of the bone graft. It is imperative that you choose the right dentist for your bone grafting procedure. This is why you need to consult with Harbour Pointe Oral Maxillofacial & Advanced Implant Surgery if you are considering bone grafting surgery.
At Harbour Pointe, we are experts at performing bone grafting surgery and will do so in a way so that you experience minimal pain and discomfort. We will examine you thoroughly during that vital first consultation and will recommend the type of bone graft that is best for you. We will work with you holistically and will continue to treat you before, during, and even after your bone grafting procedure.
At Harbour Pointe, we treat all our patients as individuals and will answer all your questions and address all your concerns regarding your bone grafting surgery. So, if you are considering bone grafting or subsequent dental implant surgery, do visit Harbour Pointe and reduce your worries because you have made the absolute right choice!
For more information about bone grafting surgery and other dental procedures and solutions, consult Dr. Brian Hart and Dr. Kathleen Isdith at 425-353-1009 or at hporalsurgery@gmail.com or go to our website https://www.harbourpointeoralsurgery.net for more information.