What to expect from bone grafting
It is a source of pride for Piedra Dental Group to provide so many services to our neighbors from across the Cooper City, Florida area. These services include advanced surgical procedures, such as bone grafting. This process is often used to prepare the jawbone for the surgical placement of implants. There must be adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant, and often, prolonged tooth loss leads to a deterioration of the hard tissues. Both Drs. Alejandro Piedra and Robert Weishoff are specially trained in dental implant procedures. So, we can confidently say that our team provides full implant services, including those preparatory procedures for patients who might otherwise be precluded from this highly popular and modern form of tooth replacement with implants.
Will I need to arrange for transportation after my treatment?
Well before the day of your appointment, we will review ways to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your surgery. We will discuss considerations such as the use of local anesthesia or sedation. The specific methods we recommend depend on factors like your anxiety level, the number of teeth that may be extracted prior to grafting, and the overall extent and complexity of the procedure. In general, sedatives are associated with lingering drowsiness. It would not be safe to drive home afterward or to operate any sort of machinery. You would need to confirm reliable transportation before your procedure.
How will my mouth feel afterward?
Post-treatment pain should be minimal. You may experience some soreness for the first few days. Worsening, severe, and persistent pain is not normal, and you should contact us so we can reevaluate for potential complications like an infection. Any discomfort can generally be managed with OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen, but analgesics may also be prescribed. It is important to take these medications only as prescribed by our doctors.
How should I take care of my mouth?
We ask that you stick to a liquid diet for the first few days. Work your way up from clear liquids such as broth. You should not eat anything crunchy, sticky, spicy, hard, or crispy for at least two weeks. Stick to soft and easy-to-chew foods that will not irritate the surgical sites. Good options include yogurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream, applesauce, pudding, and steamed veggies. Also, refrain from any habits that could potentially dislodge the graft/tissue substitute and trigger more bleeding. Behaviors to avoid include:
- Spitting
- Vigorous rinsing
- Drinking through a straw
- Smoking and vaping – which should also be avoided in general due to how the associated toxins and nicotine drastically reduce the blood supply to the site and graft
You should also avoid intense or heavy exercise and lifting for a while, as advised by your dentist. Strenuous physical activity can also increase your risk of complications, such as excessive and prolonged bleeding.
How long will my graft “take”?
Every patient’s healing journey is one of a kind. Your healing may be affected by factors such as your general health and how well you stick to the instructions provided by Piedra Dental Group. It generally takes around three to six months for the graft to begin to support bone growth and regeneration. Once the bone has fully healed, the graft can support an implant for 20 to 30 years. So, implant-supported teeth are often referred to as a “lifetime” treatment. With good care and a healthy lifestyle, you really can enjoy your new teeth for the rest of your life.
To take the first step in this life-changing process, call (954) 329-0673 to request an appointment at our Cooper City, FL office today.
