Bone grafting or augmentation is typically done when your jaw’s current bone mass is inadequate to incorporate or support dental implants. This process allows your dentist to grow a bone using a bone graft material that further amalgamates with the implant, securely putting it in place.
Once the procedure is done and depending on your bone’s condition and the graft extent, it can take up to several weeks or even nine months to completely heal.
Here are a few tips that you should follow to ensure a quick and healthy recovery after going through your bone graft procedure:
Manage the Bleeding
Once you have undergone a bone grafting surgery, bleeding and oozing are normal. While your dentist will help you lessen the bleeding by putting the gauze pad on the surgical site for at least 30 minutes post the procedure.
However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after removing the gauze, it is recommended to lie down, keep your head elevated, and bite down a piece of gauze for up to 45 minutes without moving it. You can also repeat the procedure twice or thrice if needed. Keep in mind that bleeding is generally expected after surgery’s first couple of days.
Reduce Swelling and Soreness
Besides bleeding, be prepared to experience swelling and soreness around the surgical site for at least two to four-day post-surgery. Using an ice pack for the first two days is best to mitigate the swelling at the earliest. However, ensure to apply the ice pack for thirty minutes at a time, with a thirty-minute break.
Ensure Optimum Oral Hygiene
Your dentist will ask you to avoid brushing your teeth around the surgical site for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Once you have come past this time frame, you can use salt water to rinse and clean your mouth.
For this, add a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of water, and use it to rinse your mouth. Repeat the process up to six times every day, especially after meals.
Follow Your Prescription Religiously
Pain and comfort are the general by-products you encounter after most surgical procedures, and bone grafting is the same! Your dental surgeon will prescribe antibiotics and pain medicines to prevent the infection.
Religiously follow your dentist-prescribed medications to ensure quick and effective healing. Also, ensure to take these medicines after meals as they can lead to nausea when taken on an empty stomach.
Consume Soft Foods
Avoid hard or hot food after surgery, and stick to lukewarm soft foods and cold beverages during the first day. Once you get past the first 24 hours, you can start consuming a regular diet after prior consultation with the doctor.
Take Adequate Rest and Let it Heal
Patients who have undergone bone graft surgery should avoid vigorous activities for a week to prevent pain or torn stitches. So, make sure to take your eight hours of beauty (or healing) sleep to allow your body to heal faster and better.
About us
Dental problems arise out of the blue and directly mess with your already busy but happy life. So, if you need a dental trauma doctor, we are here to help!
At Premier Oral Surgery, we offer a range of oral and maxillofacial surgery services, such as cone beam CT scan, bone grafts, implant placement, and removal of wisdom or impacted teeth. Reach out to us at 203-939-9390 or send us your concerns at info@premieroralsurgeryct.com to know more!
