ACTIVITY: After leaving our dental office today, we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity or aerobic exercise for the next 3 days.
DISCOMFORT: Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. You have been given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) analgesic. Please take one tab every 8 hours for the first 3 days. This drug will greatly decrease the possibility of post-surgical swelling and pain and has been shown to accelerate healing.
After the first 3 days, 2 Tylenol, or 2 Advil taken every 4-6 hours as needed, should keep you comfortable. Should intense discomfort occur at any time after the surgery, please take the narcotic medication (if one has been prescribed for you), as directed, or telephone D. Bradley Dean, DDS and he will phone in a narcotic prescription for you.
You may take both the narcotic and NSAID together. Their analgesic effect will be synergistic.
INFECTION: If you have been given an antibiotic please continue taking it, one tablet every 5-6 hours, or three time per day until all of the tablets have been taken. If you notice a few days after surgery, that pain or swelling are increasing or that you are experiencing an elevated temperature, please call D. Bradley Dean, DDS.
SWELLING: It is normal for some swelling to occur after surgery, particularly in the lower jaw. To minimize swelling after surgery, apply an ice bag wrapped in a light tea towel or handkerchief to the outside of your face over the operated area.
This should be left on your face for about 20 minutes, then removed for 20 minutes, or alternated from side-to-side, between operated areas, for 2-3 hours after surgery. The use of both ice and the NSAID analgesic as described above will reduce the amount and duration of facial swelling.
BLEEDING: It is common to have slight bleeding for a few hours following surgery. If bleeding persists, apply a tea bag to the surgical site with firm but gentle pressure for 15-20 minutes. Let yourself rest for 15 minutes then repeat the application of the tea bag for a second time if you still have slight bleeding.
If excessive bleeding continues, please call our office. Remember, most of the blood you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva. Blood is a very strong “dye” and a little bit of blood will color your saliva dramatically.
ORAL HYGIENE: Brushing and oral hygiene procedures should be done as usual in all untreated areas. In exposed, operated areas limit your oral hygiene to brushing using a soft bristled toothbrush. In areas covered by periodontal dressing, you should brush only the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Avoid dental flossing in operated areas during the first week following surgery. No undiluted mouthwash, salt water or peroxide rinses should be used during the first week following surgery. Also avoid the use of water irrigation devices such as Water-piks for 1 month following surgery.
The exposed operated areas should be gently swabbed with a Q-tip (cotton tipped applicator) saturated with Peridex (Chlorhexidine) as a last oral hygiene procedure at bedtime and again in the morning, after eating and drinking.
EATING AND DRINKING: Do not try to eat until all the anesthesia (numbness) has worn off. High protein foods and liquids are desirable for 3-5 days following surgery. Semi-solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done comfortably. Eggs, custard, yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, casseroles, cooked cereals are some things that you might consider eating during the first few days following your surgery.
Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids. Also, avoid nuts, chips or other crunchy or fibrous foods which may become caught between your teeth. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic or carbonated beverages for 48 hours after surgery. No smoking or drinking through a straw for 48 hours after surgery.
The following nutritional supplements have been found to aid in surgical healing. Taking the following dosages for at least 4-6 weeks following your surgery can enhance healing:
Multi-vitamin with minerals: Take once a day. Calcium: Take 500mg twice daily. Vitamin E: Take 400mg once daily. Vitamin C: Take 1000mg once daily.
These nutritional supplements are all over the counter (OTC) items and may be purchased at a drug store, health food store or the health food section of many grocery stores.
USE OF REMOVABLE DENTAL APPLIANCES: If you normally wear a removable appliance which replaces missing teeth, and it rests on the operated area where dental implant(s) have been placed, do not use this appliance as any pressure on the surgical site could be detrimental to the healing of the dental implant(s) as well as cause discomfort.
Who is dental implant placement and bone grafting for?
Dental implant placement and bone grafting are recommended for individuals who are missing one or more teeth and meet specific health criteria. The goal of these procedures is to provide a stable, long-lasting solution for tooth replacement that also supports the health of the jawbone.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
The ideal candidate for dental implants generally has the following:
- Missing Teeth: This is the primary reason for implants. It can be due to injury, decay, or disease.
- Good Oral Health: Patients must have healthy gums, free from active gum disease (periodontitis). Any existing oral health issues must be addressed before the procedure.
- Sufficient Jawbone Density: The jawbone must be strong enough to support the implant. Implants rely on a process called osseointegration, where they fuse directly with the bone. If there isn’t enough bone, the implant can’t be secured properly.
- Good General Health: The patient should be healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure and heal properly afterward. Certain chronic conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, or habits like smoking, can interfere with healing and may affect a person’s candidacy.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Implants require the same care as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
Who needs a bone graft?
A bone graft is a necessary step for many people who want dental implants but lack the required bone density. You may need a bone graft if you have:
- Bone Loss Due to Missing Teeth: When a tooth is extracted, the jawbone in that area is no longer stimulated by the tooth root. Over time, the bone can shrink or deteriorate, a process known as resorption. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more likely this is to occur.
- Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can destroy the bone supporting the teeth.
- Trauma or Injury: An injury to the mouth or face can cause damage to the jawbone.
- Denture Use: Long-term use of dentures that don’t stimulate the bone can lead to gradual bone loss.
In essence, a bone graft is for anyone who is a good candidate for a dental implant in every way except for having enough healthy jawbone. The bone graft procedure creates the necessary foundation to make implant placement possible and successful.
Pain and Discomfort After Dental Implant and Bone Grafting Procedures
Does implant placement and bone grafting hurt?
During the procedures, you won’t feel any pain because the area will be completely numbed with local anesthesia. You might feel some pressure or vibration. Any pain you experience comes after the anesthesia wears off.
What does the pain feel like after a bone graft?
After the numbing wears off, it’s normal to have some discomfort similar to a tooth extraction. You can expect mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and possibly bruising. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, or your dentist may prescribe something stronger.
What does the pain feel like after dental implant surgery?
Post-implant surgery pain is often compared to a minor tooth extraction. The most significant discomfort and swelling typically occur within the first 24 to 48 hours and gradually improve. Pain is usually controlled with medication.
How long does the pain and discomfort last?
For both procedures, the worst of the discomfort usually subsides within a few days. Most people feel significantly better within a week. Full healing of the bone graft can take several months, but you won’t be in pain during this entire period.
Can I take anything for the pain?
Yes. Your dentist will provide specific instructions. For mild pain, over-the-counter pain relievers are often effective. For more significant pain, a prescription may be provided.
What other side effects should I expect besides pain?
Swelling and bruising are very common after both procedures. You may also experience minor bleeding or tenderness in the area. Applying an ice pack to your cheek for the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.
When should I be concerned about the pain?
While some discomfort is normal, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe pain that is not relieved by medication, fever, excessive swelling that is getting worse, or any signs of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a bone graft and an implant at the same time?
Yes, you can often get a bone graft and implant at the same time. This is possible if you have enough existing bone to stabilize the implant while the graft strengthens the surrounding area. If the bone is too thin, the graft may need to heal first, which can take several months before implant placement./p>
When is it too late for a bone graft?
It’s rarely “too late” for a bone graft, but severe bone loss may require more extensive procedures, such as advanced grafting techniques or sinus lifts. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your jawbone to determine whether a graft is viable or if alternative solutions are needed.
Can I get a bone graft years after tooth extraction?
Yes, you can get a bone graft years after a tooth extraction. However, the longer you wait, the more likely the bone loss will be significant, requiring a larger or more complex graft.>
How long will my face be swollen after a bone graft?
Swelling after a bone graft typically peaks within the first 48 to 72 hours and decreases after that. Most swelling subsides within a week, but slight residual swelling may persist for up to two weeks. Ice packs and following your dentist’s aftercare instructions can help reduce swelling.
How long does it take to heal after implant placement with a bone graft?
Initial healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks, but full implant and bone graft integration can take 3 to 6 months. During this time, the bone graft material fuses with your natural bone to create a stable base for the implant.
We want your treatment to provide as positive a healing experience as possible. If you are having any problems or have any questions, not covered in these guidelines, please free to call the office at any time. Dr. Bradley Dean can be reached after hours at 1-866-248-8350. You can also request an appointment online.