19 Mar What to Expect After Dental Bone Graft Surgery?
For some individuals, a dental bone graft surgery is necessary before undergoing a dental implant procedure. While “dental bone graft surgery” sounds more like a medieval torture device than a dental procedure, it is actually a fairly routine procedure that is minimally invasive and doesn’t require much downtime. The surgery replaces any missing bone in the jaw, providing a firm base for the dental implant to come. After the procedure is complete, what can a patient expect?
What Level of Pain Am I In After the Surgery?
After the dental bone graft surgery, there will be some discomfort, as there is with any kind of oral surgery. However, the pain should be relatively minor and is comparable to the pain experienced with a tooth extraction. While minor aches and pains are normal, your dentist will prescribe you an anti-inflammatory drug to help manage your discomfort level. If you still feel pain, try applying ice to the area.
How Can I Keep Swelling Down?
A dental bone graft surgery is sure to cause your face to swell up. In the days immediately following the surgery, take some steps to try to keep the swelling down. The best way to do so is by icing the area of the face and mouth that the surgery took place in regular intervals for the first two days following surgery. Icing the area helps to stop the influx of blood flowing into the gum tissues. By minimizing the bleeding, you are helping the body heal properly.
What Can I Eat After Dental Bone Graft Surgery?
In the days immediately following your dental bone graft surgery you will need to make drastic changes to your diet. The exact nature of your diet will depend on the extent of the surgical procedure, so it can be different for each individual case. Some patients may be restricted to a diet of only cold liquids for the first few days following the surgery. This can mean a plethora of juices, cold soups, smoothies, and milkshakes. Others can be restricted to room temperature soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pureed fruit, or pudding. Basically, the object is to avoid any foods that require chewing.
One distinction that will apply to everyone who undergoes a dental bone graft surgery is to avoid eating crunchy, sharp, or hard foods for several weeks after the procedure. This is to make sure nothing gets lodged in the graft site.
How Should I Sleep After Surgery?
After the surgery, patients are advised to only sleep on their back, propped up on pillows to keep the head elevated. This is to prevent blood from pooling at the bone graft site and to keep inflammation down. If sleeping on your back is an impossibility, at least avoid sleeping on the side of your body that the surgery occurred.
What Are My Activity Restrictions?
In the first couple of days after surgery, avoid any strenuous activity to avoid disturbing the surgery site and disrupting the healing process. Over time, you will begin to feel more comfortable and can slowly return to your previous activity levels.
San Diego Bone Graft Surgery Specialist
University Dental Family Dentistry and Orthodontics are the San Diego dental bone graft surgery specialists, offering expertise in completing the surgery and ensuring full recovery. If you are in need of a dental bone graft surgery, contact University Dental today. We can bring you in to our office for a free consultation and determine your best course of action. Call us at (619) 473-2565.