Speedy Recovery Bone Graft Procedure

Posted January 15, 2016

Bone graft surgery restores lost bone structure to allow for the anchoring of a dental implant or other piece of dental work. Thoughtful preparation and quality aftercare will help a speedy and successful recovery.

At the initial appointment you should let your surgeon know about any medications you are taking or medical conditions. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and requires deep sedation. This means you will need to arrange for someone to drive you and help you out for a while, until you are back on your feet.

Using tobacco slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection. If you use tobacco on a regular basis you might want to talk to your primary physician in advance about a cessation program. It’s a good idea to look for a program that doesn’t involve lozenges or nicotine gum as these can also irritate the gums.

While your gums are healing you will need to eat a soft foods diet. It’s a good idea to stock up in advance on soft foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes and yogurt. Proper hydration is important to recovery. Try to drink plenty of lukewarm liquids and avoid using a straw. The suction can harm the incisions or pull blood clots loose.

It’s a good idea to keep some sterile gauze on hand. It’s not uncommon for the incisions to weep a little blood for a couple of days afterward. You can lightly pack the area with sterile gauze. After the bleeding stops you can gently rinse your mouth with salt water to cleanse the area and soothe the gums.

If you have questions about planning for your procedure or things you can do to help the recovery process, please call us at 508-790-8300 to schedule an appointment.