How Long is Recovery From Dental Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon "builds up" the necessary tissue volume for implantation using osteoplastic materials. We perform this procedure using minimally invasive, modern protocols by experienced maxillofacial surgeons. The length of the recovery period is determined by the extent of postoperative complications, which depend on the scale of the surgery and the individual's response.
The procedure itself can last from 30 minutes (for bone restoration in the area of 1-2 teeth) to 3 hours (for large-scale interventions).
General and complete healing time for a dental bone graft is 3 to 6 months, depending on the graft size, location, and your overall health.
Condition after bone grafting: normal and complications
For 10 days, some discomfort is possible, as is typical of any surgical procedure, and is considered physiologically normal. The severity of these symptoms depends on the surgeon's experience, the techniques used, the type of bone grafting, the extent of the procedure, and individual patient characteristics.
Pain
You won't feel any pain immediately after the surgery; our anesthesiologist will administer a painkiller along with the sedative. You may experience some discomfort towards the end of the day or the following day. The initial intensity of the sensation can vary greatly, depending on your pain threshold.
To relieve pain, take the medications provided at reception. The pain should subside completely within the first week after surgery.
Bleeding
Bloody discharge may occur during the first 2-3 days. Normally, it should be fairly light, just slightly tinting the saliva. The appearance of blood clots or significant bleeding is a reason to see a doctor immediately.
You can stop bleeding by applying pressure to the wound surface with a sterile bandage. Avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly aspirin, can help prevent severe bleeding. Some patients require antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications. It's important to inform the surgeon of this during preoperative preparation; a corrective plan may be necessary.
Edema
Tissue damage and the insertion of bone grafting material always lead to swelling. It is most pronounced 2-3 days after surgery, then quickly subsides. Swelling can be managed by applying ice packs. Sleep on a large pillow to keep your head elevated.
Swelling subsides by the end of the first week after surgery. Otherwise, there is a suspicion of a pathological inflammatory process affecting the wound surface or underlying structures.
Please be extremely attentive to your own condition. If you experience any questionable symptoms, if discomfort worsens, or if there is no improvement, please consult your doctor.
How long does the period of postoperative discomfort last?
Recovery from surgery itself typically takes no more than two days. During this time, pain and swelling subside. By the third day, the wound stops causing much discomfort, but the stitches are removed only on the 10th to 14th day. Bone tissue forms over several months, and during this time, you are still considered to be in recovery.
To speed up your recovery, the following actions are recommended:
- For the first few days, it is better to refrain from chewing on the operated side.
- For the first 2-3 days, it is recommended to eat only chopped food at room temperature.
- You must not smoke or drink alcohol for 2 weeks after surgery.
- It is forbidden to drink through a straw.
- It is recommended to cough carefully and with an open mouth so as not to increase the pressure in the oral cavity.
- It is better to sleep with the head of the bed raised.
- Serious physical activity and diving are prohibited for several weeks.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun is not recommended; visiting solariums is not recommended.
- Visiting a sauna or bathhouse is prohibited.
- You should avoid flying during the first few weeks after bone grafting.
In Conclusion
Recovery from a dental bone graft surgery takes about 10 days; however, complete healing of the area will take at least 3-6 months before further dental work (such as an implant) can be done. Contact us today to find out more about this procedure and to make an appointment!