Dentists may resort to bone grafting surgery as the first step in a dental implant treatment regimen. They may also apply the surgery to repair bone loss caused by periodontal disease. Grafting may be required for a patient who lacks the bone mass or density required to hold an implant in the case of dental implant treatments.
Dental implants and bone grafting are not for everyone. Patients will be examined before receiving treatment. A suitable candidate for bone graft for an implant should be in good health to go through the procedure without difficulties. The patient's immune system should also be strong.
Patients must take excellent care of themselves after the surgery to limit the chances of complications developing. Here are some easy pointers to assist you in managing your recovery.
Bleeding and leakage are to be expected following bone transplants. To reduce bleeding, leave the gauze pad that the dentist places over the surgical site in place for at least 30 minutes following the surgery. If the bleeding persists after removing the gauze, lie down, elevate your head, and bite down on one or two pieces of gauze for up to 45 minutes without changing the gauze or releasing the pressure. Repeat the process two to three times more if necessary. Remember that bleeding is normal for the first few days after bone grafts.
For the first two to four days after grafting surgery, swelling and pain around the surgical site are to be expected. For the first 24 to 36 hours after surgery, an ice pack can be used to reduce swelling. The pack should be used for 30 minutes at a time, with 30-minute pauses in between.
After more than 36 hours, a dry or moist heat pad on a medium setting should be used to treat any swelling. It can take up to ten days for swelling to go down after transplants.
Brushing around the surgery site should be avoided for the first 24 hours after receiving grafts. A saltwater rinse can be used to clean the mouth after a single day. Rinse with the solution after adding half a teaspoon of salt to an 8-ounce cup of water. Rep the procedure up to six times each day, preferably after meals.
Patients may feel pain and discomfort for up to ten days following the grafting surgery. To prevent infection, the dentist may give pain medication or antibiotics. Anti-inflammatories are occasionally prescribed in conjunction with swelling. A patient in recovery should take all medications exactly as prescribed by the dentist. These medications should never be taken on an empty stomach because they can cause nausea.
On the day of surgery, patients should avoid hot or hard foods and stick to lukewarm soft foods and cool drinks. The following day, patients can resume their regular diet.
Avoid the following for 3 weeks after graft surgery: acidic liquids (orange juice, tomato juice, soda pop, and so on), toothpaste, over-the-counter mouth rinses, and chewing near the surgery site are all prohibited.
For the first week after the treatment, patients should avoid strenuous exercise to avoid pain and ripped stitches. They should also strive for eight hours of sleep per night during this time because sleep is when the body repairs itself the most.
A proper recovery after bone grafting is crucial for the success of dental implantation. The more properly you follow the rules for successful grafting, the better chances for an excellent outcome you will have.