Signs You Might Need a Dental Bone Graft

A dental bone graft involves transplanting bone material to your jawbone to restore lost or damaged bone tissue. This procedure is typically used in preparation for dental implants or to treat certain conditions, such as gum disease or injury, that have led to bone loss in the jaw. The bone material used in the Monterey bone grafting may come from your body, such as from the hip or shinbone, or a donor source.
The surgeon numbs the area with a local anesthetic during the dental bone graft procedure. Your doctor will then incision the gum tissue to access the bone beneath. Once the bone is exposed, the surgeon will prepare the area for the bone graft. Over time, the transplanted bone material will integrate with the existing bone in the jaw, promoting new bone growth and restoring lost tissue.
Indicative signs of getting a dental bone graft
Here are several signs that you might need a dental bone graft:
- Missing teeth: If you have missing teeth, your jawbone may deteriorate over time, causing bone loss. A dental bone graft can help rebuild the bone tissue before placing a dental implant.
- Wearing dentures for a long time: Dentures can put pressure on the jawbone and cause it to resorb or shrink over time. This can lead to decreased bone density and a loss of facial structure. It can help restore the lost bone tissue and provide a more stable foundation for dentures or other dental prosthetics.
- Pain or discomfort in your jaw: Gum disease or trauma can cause bone loss, leading to pain or discomfort. The graft can aid in restoring the lost bone tissue and alleviate these symptoms.
- Difficulty chewing or speaking: If you are having difficulty chewing or speaking, it could be a sign of bone loss in the jaw. You can rebuild the lost bone tissue and improve your ability to chew and speak properly after a dental bone graft.
- Receding gums: Receding gums can be a sign of bone loss in the jaw, leading to tooth loss and other dental problems. A dental bone graft can help restore the lost bone tissue and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
Dental bone graft aftercare
After a dental bone graft, proper aftercare is vital to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some tips for dental bone graft aftercare:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for the first few hours after the procedure to allow the anesthesia to wear off.
- Apply an ice pack to your face in the area of the bone graft for 10-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Take any prescribed pain medications or antibiotics as your dentist or oral surgeon directs.
- Avoid brushing or flossing the area of the bone graft for the first few days after the procedure.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the bone graft was performed.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products, as these can interfere with healing.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon to monitor the healing process.
If you are experiencing any of these signs or have other concerns about the health of your jawbone, consult with your dental professional at Perio & Implant Center.