How Long is Recovery from Dental Bone Grafting?
Dental bone grafting is a common procedure, often performed before dental implants are placed, that restores and rebuilds bone in the jaw. This outpatient procedure is usually completed with local anesthesia and generally takes under two hours. During the healing process, the bone graft material is absorbed by new bone tissue, supporting this new tissue as it takes its shape in the jaw. This healing process takes a few months, but recovering from the bone graft procedure itself is far more brief. However, each step of the recovery process is important for the long-term success of the bone grafts and whatever dental restoration they may help support.
The First Few Days:
You’ll receive specific aftercare from your dentist and should be able to go home right after dental bone graft surgery. For the first couple of days, you should expect to feel some mild pain or moderate discomfort, and you may notice swelling in your gums or face. Minor bleeding at the site of the bone graft is normal, and you may also see bruising near the jaw or on the cheek. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are effective in helping manage pain, and ice packs can help reduce swelling. Some patients may also receive a prescription antibiotic or prescription pain medication; use all prescription medication as directed by your medical provider.
The First Week:
As the bone graft sites heal, the bone grafting material integrates with the natural bone. This process begins within the first week of graft placement, as new blood vessels form, and complete healing is integral to the overall success of the bone grafts and imperative for the success of dental implant restorations in particular. To avoid complications during the first week, stick to a diet of soft yet nutritious foods, like soup, smoothies, yogurt, or eggs, and avoid anything hard or crunchy that could damage the surgical site. Consuming alcohol and smoking both increase the risk of graft failure and infection and should be avoided, especially early on. Sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce swelling, and cleaning the oral cavity gently yet thoroughly helps prevent infection while the graft and oral tissues heal. Your dentist may recommend that you use an antimicrobial mouth rinse instead of brushing your teeth for the first week, and, when regular brushing and flossing resume, you should pay special attention to doing these things gently.
Long-Term Healing:
Around 1-2 weeks after the bone graft is placed, pain and swelling should have subsided, though you will want to continue to exercise caution while eating and cleaning the teeth. At this point, the bone and graft material are slowly merging into one, a process that takes several months to complete. After a couple of weeks, you’ll see your dentist for a follow-up appointment; unless you have dissolvable sutures, at this appointment, you’ll have your sutures removed. Your dentist will also assess your healing process and make sure there are no complications with healing. As the bone continues to heal, the grafting material is gradually fully absorbed by the natural bone, which is evaluated with periodic x-rays and follow-up checkups. Continued effective oral hygiene habits help to ensure effective healing and also protect the teeth, gums, bone, and any dental restorations from future issues.