What to Expect When Getting a Bone Graft

From the Practice Blog · Originally published May 8, 2019

Bone grafts are a part of many different medical procedures, including that of oral and dental ones. Most people don’t realize that bone grafts are commonly used within dentistry because they are only for specific procedures. 

Knowing what to expect when getting a bone graft for a dental or oral procedure can be helpful, especially if you have an upcoming appointment where a graft may be necessary. It can also be beneficial to know what is involved in a bone graft procedure if your dentist or oral surgeon has told you that it may be necessary. Keep reading to find out more!

Bone grafting

What exactly is bone grafting?

It is first essential to understand precisely what a bone graft is, especially in regards to dental and oral procedures. Bone grafts replace and regenerate lost bone within the jaw or the face when restoration or facial contouring is needed. Bone grafts are also commonly used when dental implants are necessary because the teeth deteriorate so much that the jawbone also begins to deteriorate. Once deterioration occurs within the bone structure, there isn’t enough there to support the new implants and bone grafting repairs the jaw.

What to expect when getting a bone graft

A successful graft requires bone from another part of the patient's body. Sometimes, that piece of bone may even be taken from their jawbone which would be very similar to the bone that needs the graft. However, other times, there may not be enough bone in the jawbone, so bone may have to be taken from elsewhere within the body.

The doctor will then transplant the bone into the jaw, and after that, healing takes place!

Being patient

Another part of getting a bone graft is patience. After the transplant into the jaw, healing and recuperation are necessary. Expect a few months of proper healing so that the transplanted bone has enough time to generate new bone. New bone has to generate around the planted bone so that dental implants can be supported.

Post bone graft

Bone grafts can be time-consuming and uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth it. They usually allow a person to get back to normal - whether it be with their looks or the function of their jaw. Post bone graft, it is crucial to be gentle to the area as well as manage the pain through a softer diet and at-home remedies such as cold compresses or over-the-counter medications.

Reach out to our office!

Bone grafting procedures are far from simple, but again, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth it! Being aware of what to expect during these procedures can be extremely helpful for someone who has an upcoming bone graft procedure. If you have more questions, then reach out to our office so that we can help you further. Give us a call or stop by our office today!