Tips for Healing After a Bone Graft
There are times when you may need a bone graft to make your jaw even stronger. In fact, it is quite common when a person is looking at getting dental implants. That being said, you need to be careful when you are healing. You are going to need to take good care of yourself (and your mouth) so that everything heals properly, and your jaw has a chance of becoming even stronger.
Here are some tips to help with healing after your bone graft:
Don't be alarmed if you feel grit in your mouth after the procedure
The truth is that your bone graft is usually particulate bone, which is the consistency of sand. You may feel some of this grit in your mouth for the first few days. There is no need to panic because this is completely normal.
You may also notice a little bleeding
It is not abnormal to have a small amount of bleeding during the first twenty-four hours. If you have too much bleeding, you may need to clean the area with gauze and then hold it on the area for a few minutes. You may be able to bite the gauze to keep it in place. You may notice more bleeding if you get overexcited or you overdo it, so it is important to take it easy for the first few days.
Make sure that you take your antibiotic as prescribed
Most of the time, you will get an antibiotic that you need to take to keep the area free of infection. You need to make sure that you follow the directions and take it until it is all gone.
Leave your wound alone
Though you may be tempted to touch the area with your tongue, you really need to leave it alone. If you keep touching it, it isn't going to heal as quickly. The material may move around and not heal properly at all.
You also need to leave your lip alone
You may be tempted to check out the area by lifting your lip up to see. However, this can also cause damage to the area. The material may move around. You may also rip the sutures.
You also need to avoid rinsing and spitting for two days
This will allow the blood to clot and the whole area will begin to stabilize.
After that time, you may be allowed to rinse gently
Even if you rinse too vigorously, you could still move the particles around so that your graft won't heal right.
When brushing, you are going to want to avoid that area for the first two days
Once you start brushing, you are going to need to be as gentle as possible. We may also prescribe an antibiotic rinse to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
Avoid the use of straws for the first day
The sucking motion used when you drink from straws can make your incision bleed even more. It could dislodge the blood clot.
Do not smoke
You must stay away from smoking for at least two weeks. If you continue to smoke, there is a good chance that your bone graft will not heal properly and your jaw bone will not get any stronger. This may be a good time for you to think about quitting.
Don't hesitate to call the office
If you are worried about something that is happening, you shouldn't ever feel afraid to call the office. That is what we are here for. We want you to be as comfortable as possible so that your bone graft heals properly.
The first few days may be trying after you get a bone graft. You may feel some grit in your mouth during this time. That is normal. However, you need to leave the wound alone (along with your lip), so the area can heal properly. You also need to avoid rinsing and spitting for the first two days. After that, you can do so carefully.
You should also call your dentist if you have any problems. We want to make sure that you are healing properly, so we are here for any questions that you have. If something doesn't feel right, we will want to see your incision, just to make sure!