Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth, but you must have a sufficiently dense jawbone to support them. But because it starts thinning after tooth loss, if it’s been a while since your teeth went missing, your jaw might already be too weak to proceed.
But don’t lose hope! Some patients can successfully receive dental implants after a bone graft procedure to rebuild their jawbone. However, it can take 3 to 6+ months for the new material to integrate with your jaw. Read on to learn 3 ways to help aid your healing while avoiding potential complications!
Tip #1: Address Discomfort
It’s normal to feel sore and swollen for a couple of weeks after your procedure, though the worst of the discomfort usually occurs in the first several days following your appointment. It often reaches its peak about 3 to 5 days after your appointment, then gradually starts improving.
Many dentists provide antibiotics and/or pain medications following this procedure to help avoid potential side effects, like an infection, that might cause the graft to fail. It’s important to take any prescriptions exactly as directed. If you weren’t given anything, you might try over-the-counter solutions, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for relief.
Tip #2: Stick to Softer Foods
It’s important to avoid doing anything that could hinder healing, such as eating overly hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods, which can harm the new bone, damage your sutures, or irritate your sensitive gums.
As a result, your provider will likely recommend sticking to softer foods for about a week or so. Popular options include yogurt, blended smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. Then, you can usually begin incorporating more solid foods gradually, such as well-cooked vegetables, pasta, or tender meats, as you feel more comfortable.
Tip #2: Keep Your Mouth Clean
Your mouth is full of bacteria, and while some are helpful and aid with necessary process like digestion, others contribute to oral disease and decay. These can penetrate the surgical site and trigger an infection if you don’t take the proper precautions.
But it’s often best to avoid brushing or flossing directly over the new bone for the first couple of weeks. Most patients can safely rinse their mouths with salt water to naturally disinfect germs and remove debris, and it’s usually okay to brush the other teeth normally with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Your oral healthcare provider will share detailed post-operative instructions following your bone graft procedure to help you recover quickly while avoiding additional aches, irritation, or infection!
About the Practice
Patients at Chapel Hill Dental Arts benefit from a team of experts who are passionate about helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Blumberger, Dr. Reff, and Dr. Zaidi collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including bone grafts, to meet your unique needs under one roof. They use state-of-the-art technology to provide customized treatment plans that deliver more comfortable, accurate results meant to last. If you’re interested in dental implants but are unsure if you’re a good candidate, you can request an appointment on the website or call (732) 201-6337.
