If you are getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, your dentist may recommend seeing an oral surgeon for bone grafting. This common and painless procedure uses healthy bone tissue to repair and rebuild bone in the mouth. The guide below will help you understand what to expect from your procedure.

What to Know About Bone Grafting

Why is it necessary?

When a tooth is removed or falls out, the jawbone underneath begins to deteriorate. Weakened and insufficient bone structures are not ideal for dental implant surgery. 

In order to create a strong and stable foundation for implant restoration, the bone must be regenerated. Bone grafting produces healthy natural bone that can properly support an implant.

How can you prepare?

Before your scheduled procedure, there are some steps you can take to make the healing process easier and ensure the bone grafting is a success. If you take certain medications or supplements, your oral surgeon might suggest you stop prior to your surgery. You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours afterward, so make arrangements ahead of time to have somebody take you home. Ideally, someone should monitor you during those 24 hours for any signs of complications. Plan to take the next day off from work.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your appointment. Wear loose, comfortable clothing the day of and take out your contact lenses, if you wear them. 

What happens during the procedure?

You will receive general or local anesthesia before the surgery begins. There are few different types of bone graft methods, the most common of which is socket grafting. In this procedure, the surgeon places bone from a tissue bank or another part of your body directly into the socket. This prevents the alveolar bone, the thick ridge that holds tooth sockets, from dissolving. You will be ready for your implant within four to six months post-operation. 

Other types of bone graft include the sinus lift procedure, which is necessary when a patient needs an implant in the upper jaw, and a lateral ride preservation graft, which is used to make more room on the jaw bone for an implant. As you heal, follow your surgeon’s recommendations to avoid infection and promote recovery. Take your prescribed antibiotics as directed. If you feel pain or discomfort, use an ice pack or over-the-counter pain medication for relief.
 

If your dentist recommends bone grafting, turn to Lyle C. Yanagihara DDS, MS to handle your procedure with precision and care. Based in Honolulu, Dr. Yanagihara and his team have extensive experience handling a variety of advanced oral surgeries, including jaw surgery, dental implants, and tooth removal. They strive to keep patients informed about their treatments while ensuring their comfort. For more information about bone grafting, visit their website. Call (808) 973-1433 to schedule up an appointment.