Are Dental Bone Grafts Painful?
Bone grafting is not a complex procedure in the hands of an experienced surgeon. However, as with any surgical procedure, patients may report uncomfortable symptoms. Some side effects are normal in the first few days, while others require attention and appropriate action. In general, the bone grafting procedure is tolerated well by most patients.
Why is bone grafting necessary in dentistry?
Bone grafting (osteoplasty) is a surgical procedure to build up the jawbone when it is deficient. It is used in preparation for dental implants.
To install an implant, reliable support is required—it must be surrounded by at least 2 mm of bone. Otherwise, the implant will not hold, will become loose, and will fall out. Furthermore, bone deficiency increases the risk of damage to the maxillary sinus floor in the upper jaw and the mandibular nerve in the lower jaw. Therefore, in cases of severe jaw atrophy, surgery is essential.
Bone grafting, like any surgical procedure, involves tissue trauma. Therefore, unpleasant symptoms may occur postoperatively, which in most cases are the body's reaction to the procedure. These symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within a week.
Swelling and bruising
Swelling develops on days 2-3 due to lymphatic drainage, then typically begins to gradually subside and disappears completely by the end of the first week. Along with the tissue thickening, small hematomas may appear on the gums or skin—the result of damaged blood vessels and internal bleeding; this should not be a cause for concern.
If your cheek is swollen, and the swelling persists for more than 7 days and tends to worsen, this is a sign of inflammation. In this case, don't delay a visit to the doctor.
Pain
In the first few days after surgery, gum pain is common in most clinical cases, and this is a normal response to trauma. Typically, the pain is aching or throbbing. The duration of pain varies depending on individual circumstances, but on average, it lasts up to a week.
If the manifestation lasts longer, one can speak of a pathology if there are accompanying symptoms:
- Increasing pain
- Irradiation to the ear and neck area
- The adjacent teeth hurt
- Reaction of gums to temperature stimuli
- Severe swelling
- The appearance of an unpleasant odor from the mouth
- Fever
Bleeding
In the first hours or even several days after bone grafting, the patient may notice a slight trace of blood in their saliva. This is normal.
If the amount of blood increases, you need to see a doctor immediately; the stitches may have come apart.
If dental bone grafting is performed by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon, the recovery period is usually uneventful. However, successful graft engraftment depends largely on proper oral hygiene and the patient's individual circumstances.
In Conclusion
Dental bone grafts may sound intimidating — after all, they involve surgery and bone — but in reality, they’re not usually painful. Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort afterward, similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect and why pain is typically minimal. Call us today to talk about restoring your healthy, beautiful smile!