Your Guide to Healing After a Dental Bone Graft

When it comes to dental implants, many people need preliminary treatment to become good candidates. One procedure that patients often undergo is a bone graft. It helps rebuild parts of the jaw that need it most, so they are better able to support this tooth replacement. That said, you will need to recover afterward, but what should you expect? Here’s a brief overview you should know.

Will I Be in Pain After My Bone Graft?

No matter the dental treatment, you might be worried about the expected pain. During the bone graft itself, it may be easier than you think, as your mouth will be numbed with powerful local anesthesia. That said, when it wears off, your mouth will likely feel sore. This is normal, but it should go away after about a week or two. A great way to manage it is by taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication.

How Much Time Should I Get Off Work?

After any oral surgery, you will need to get plenty of rest to let your body heal. This often involves taking a few days off work. Generally, patients can return after a day or two, but some may need to wait up to a week. It just depends on your body and how you are feeling. Just know that there’s no need to rush to get back on it!

What Should I Eat After My Bone Graft?

Since the procedure was in your mouth, you will need to adjust your diet as well. Soft and liquid options are typically best as they are gentle and aren’t hard to chew. Pasta, scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce are just a few that you can have. Also, make sure the food isn’t hot or spicy, as these traits can increase irritation and bleeding. Eat on the opposite side of your mouth as well, not where the bone graft was.

How Can I Keep My Smile Clean?

It’s important that you keep your teeth and gums clean from plaque; that way, they can’t cause any trouble. After about 24 hours, you can go back to brushing and flossing like normal. Just be sure to avoid the bone graft site and be gentle around it as well. You will also need to do warm saltwater rinses, as they can aid with healing and prevent infection.

That said, if you have any questions about recovering after a bone graft, simply ask your dentist. They will be able to walk you through what to expect. So, you handle recovery with ease and get a step closer toward a full smile.

About the Practice

At Vollo Dental Group, our team is dedicated to helping patients in Rochester restore their missing teeth with reliable solutions like dental implants. Led by compassionate dentists, we stay at your side every step of the way, even completing the placement procedure in-house. That way, you can trust that you get results that look and feel natural. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at 585-225-9114.