Bone Grafting Recovery: What to Expect

Healthy bone tissue is an integral part of dental health, but for many, changes in their jawbone create both aesthetic and functional problems. For residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the team at Cannon Oral Surgery is a valuable resource for bone grafting treatment. 

Today, let’s talk about what you should expect if you choose to move forward with a bone grafting procedure, and how you can make the most of your recovery time. 

What is bone grafting, and how does it work?

Bone grafting is a treatment that aims to rebuild your natural bone tissue. It’s done when you lack sufficient bone tissue to anchor your natural teeth or a dental implant. Some people need bone grafting after a traumatic injury to the jaw. For others, the treatment helps stabilize remaining natural teeth or serves as preparation for dentures. 

The process involves placing either natural or lab-created materials into the areas of your jaw where additional bone is needed. The grafting material essentially fills a space while your body regenerates healthy, natural bone tissue in that area. 

Bone grafting is a type of oral surgery. It requires a local anesthetic to numb the area and at least one incision in your gums to gain access to the grafting site. Once the grafting material is placed in the desired location, your gums are repositioned to cover the site and sutured back together. 

Recovery depends on a number of factors

Your recovery experience will be unique and shaped by several factors. Bigger bone grafts will take longer to heal than smaller ones. Your overall health also factors in, which is why it is so important to undergo any oral surgery in the best health possible. 

The initial healing process takes around a week. Your gum tissue heals quickly, so any swelling, tenderness, or bruising should improve relatively quickly. The process of creating new bone tissue and fusing with the grafting material takes longer, and can range from a few months to up to a year. 

For the first week after your procedure, avoid placing any pressure on the site. This means adopting a gentle oral hygiene routine and choosing soft, easy-to-consume foods. 

Elevating your head at night can help reduce swelling, and ice packs applied to your outer jaw can ease discomfort. Be sure to take any prescribed medications and avoid strenuous activity for a few days after your procedure. 

Within a couple of weeks, you should be back to normal. Your bone tissue will continue to heal behind the scenes, but life will go on as usual. Be sure to attend any follow-up visits as advised, and reach out if you experience worsening discomfort, swelling, or signs of infection. 

Come in to learn more about bone grafting

If you’d like to explore bone grafting in greater detail, we invite you to schedule a face-to-face consultation at our office in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Cannon is happy to review your dental health history and help you decide if bone grafting is a good fit for your specific set of needs. 

Bone grafting is a wonderful option for many people, but not everyone is a good candidate. If this treatment is not the right path for you, Dr. Cannon can discuss treatment alternatives and help you make a decision that is in line with your long-term dental health goals. 

You’re always welcome to call our office to review available appointment times. Cannon Oral Surgery also offers online booking as a fast and convenient way to check for openings.