Healing After Bone Grafting - What You Should Know
Posted on 11/15/2025 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery
Getting a bone graft can be an important step in restoring your oral health and preparing for dental implants. It involves taking bone from another part of your body or using synthetic material to rebuild the jawbone where it's been lost due to injury, gum disease, or other reasons. This procedure helps create a strong foundation for future dental implants, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently again.
While bone grafting is a safe and effective procedure, it's important to understand the healing process and what to expect afterwards. This guide will help you navigate the recovery period and ensure a successful outcome.
What Happens During Bone Grafting?
During the bone grafting procedure, your oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue to access the jawbone. The bone graft material is then placed in the desired location and secured with sutures or other materials. The incision is then closed, and the healing process begins.
The Healing Process
Healing after bone grafting typically takes several months. During this time, your body will work to integrate the graft material with your own bone, creating a solid foundation for future dental implants. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery. Your oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to manage pain and swelling, including pain medication and ice packs.
Here's what you can expect during the different stages of healing:
First few days: You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. It's important to rest and follow your oral surgeon's instructions carefully. You will likely be placed on a soft diet and will need to avoid strenuous activity.
First few weeks: The swelling and bruising should gradually subside, and you should start to feel more comfortable. You may be able to transition to a regular diet, but it's important to avoid hard or chewy foods that could irritate the graft site.
Next few months: The bone graft will continue to integrate with your own bone. You may need to see your oral surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
Oral Care After Bone Grafting
Proper oral care is essential for a successful bone graft. Here are some important tips:
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Brush and floss gently: Avoid using harsh brushing or flossing techniques near the graft site. This can irritate the area and delay healing.
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Use a chlorhexidine mouthwash: Your oral surgeon may recommend using a chlorhexidine mouthwash to help prevent infection.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
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Follow your oral surgeon's instructions: It's important to follow all of your oral surgeon's instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Restoration Dentistry After Bone Grafting
Once the bone graft has fully healed, you may be a candidate for restoration dentistry, such as dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone. They provide a strong and stable foundation for artificial teeth, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Conclusion
Getting a bone graft is a major step in restoring your oral health and preparing for dental implants. While it requires a healing period, understanding the process and following your oral surgeon's instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and a lifetime of improved oral health.
Getting a bone graft can be an important step in restoring your oral health and preparing for dental implants. It involves taking bone from another part of your body or using synthetic material to rebuild the jawbone where it's been lost due to injury, gum disease, or other reasons. This procedure helps create a strong foundation for future dental implants, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently again.