Usually, when a patient needs an oral bone graft, it’s because their jawbone is too thin to properly support dental implants. Ultimately, this is considered to be a minor surgical procedure, and most people experience minimal discomfort during their bone graft.
However, what you’ll likely experience for the first week or two after treatment is a different story! As with most post-ops, you can expect some mild discomfort, and you’ll want to have a clear idea of what you should do for aftercare. Keep reading to dive into your recovery guide for bone grafting.
The Average Bone Graft Recovery Timeline
Let’s start by going over a general outline of the recovery process itself. Everyone heals a little differently, but on average, it takes about one to two weeks for the mouth to physically heal from a bone graft.
After that, though, your jawbone is still hard at work trying to fuse with the graft material. This part of the process can take at least four months, so it’s important to keep up with your aftercare instructions even when post-treatment soreness fades!
Post-Treatment Soreness
Like with most dental procedures, you can expect to feel some soreness after your bone graft. Your mouth or jaw might be tender, you might notice some swelling, and it’s possible you could develop some bruising along your jawline as well. All of this is considered normal – as is losing tiny white bone fragments from the graft site!
OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and Tylenol are usually effective for managing post-bone graft discomfort, and a gentle cold compress can help swelling and bruising go down.
Taking Care of Your Bone Graft
Your oral surgeon will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, which might include taking prescribed antibiotics, depending on your needs. But a few things all bone graft patients should do after their treatment are:
- Stick to a soft food diet.
- Avoid overly spicy, salty, or hot foods, as they can irritate the graft site.
- Try not to chew on the side of your mouth with stitches.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but be especially careful near the graft site.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest!
All things considered, recovering from a bone graft isn’t too different from other dental treatments. Plus, you can count on your oral surgeon to address any questions or concerns you may have about your aftercare instructions or symptoms. Try not to stress too much, and know that if you do need anything, your oral surgeon will be happy to help!
About the Practice
Our team of board-certified oral surgeons at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery combine their unique experiences to provide the best quality care for our patients. If you need a bone graft near Reston, our specialists will make sure you’re well-informed about every aspect of your treatment – including recovery and aftercare. To schedule a consultation, see which of our three locations is closest to you and call the office directly, or submit your request online.