Many patients need bone grafting before dental implants because they lack enough bone to support the metal post. However, your dentist may recommend this procedure for other reasons.  

Have you been told that you need bone grafting in your mouth before proceeding with dental treatment? You may be nervous about the procedure, so it’s a good idea to learn as much information as possible to ease your mind. 

What is bone grafting?

A dental bone graft is a procedure to augment or replace bone in jaw areas with bone loss. It’s done to increase bone density, stimulate new bone tissue growth, and create more stability for your teeth. It’s the most effective way to provide a base for dental implants and other restorative procedures. 

There are several types of bone grafts available. The most common sources of graft material are:

• Synthetic
• Donor
• Animal
• Bone from another area of your body

If your dentist uses your bone, it’s often taken from the chin or the back of the jaw and transplanted to the site where it is needed. 

Reasons for Needing Bone Grafting

Every patient is different, and there are varying reasons why you may need bone grafting. However, these are the most common: 

Tooth Loss

If you lose a permanent tooth, the bone around the site can disappear. Once that happens, it does not grow back. Bone grafting can strengthen this spot and support a dental implant in the future. 

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease can also make your jawbone recede and cause your teeth to loosen. These conditions occur because bacteria slowly attack the jawbone. Bone grafting can help restore the bone and health of your gums to prepare them for dental implants. Sometimes, tissue grafting may be necessary to help treat periodontal disease. 

Trauma

Your mouth can undergo a lot of trauma throughout your life. One such trauma is clenching and grinding, or bruxism. Grinding puts extra pressure on your teeth and causes the surrounding tissue to deteriorate. Bone grafting can reverse the effects and restore function. It also promotes new bone growth in these areas.   

Does bone grafting hurt?

Many patients get anxious over the pain or discomfort they anticipate from the dentist. It’s a natural concern, especially when you don’t know what to expect. However, bone grafting is a routine procedure, typically done while you are under anesthesia. You experience no discomfort during the procedure. 

After treatment, you may have some bleeding, swelling, bruising, and slight pain after the anesthetic wears off. Your dentist may prescribe some pain medication. However, standard over-the-counter medicine can manage the symptoms.  

What to expect before, during, and after a bone grafting procedure.

Your dentist always takes your oral health into account when determining whether bone grafting is suitable for you. They’ll conduct a thorough dental evaluation, which includes your medical and dental history, oral evaluation, and X-rays. 

It’s crucial to give your dental team accurate health information. Some medical conditions or medications must be addressed before you can have a bone graft.

Your dentist will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions. They will also highlight the potential risks and expected outcomes. Before your appointment, you may receive pre-operative care instructions. These instructions could include whether you should fast, medications to avoid, and oral hygiene instructions to follow before your appointment. 

Undergoing the Procedure    

Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure the area being treated is numb. Once it begins working, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. It creates an access point for the dentist to augment the area. 

The grafting material is placed into the site, and your dentist closes the incision. They’ll use sutures to help keep the grafting material in place and promote healing. You’ll receive post-operative care instructions and schedule any recommended follow-up appointments. 

The Recovery Process

Although some patients don’t experience any symptoms after treatment, bruising and swelling are common. During the first few days, you can apply ice packs to the outside of your face for short periods to help minimize swelling. Never let the ice packs touch your skin directly, or you could get an ice burn. 

Sticking to a soft diet for a few days is best so there isn’t any unnecessary pressure on the grafted area. Mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies are some of the best foods you can eat during this time. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. 

If you follow these guidelines and any other your dentist recommends, your minor discomfort from your procedure should disappear within a week. However, the bone graft takes a minimum of three months to heal.

Learn More About Bone Grafting 

Bone grafting is a minimally invasive procedure that can transform your smile. Talk with one of our specialists to fully understand the benefits and requirements of bone grafting for dental implants near Great Falls, Montana. Contact us to get started!