If you’re planning on getting dental implants but your jawbone doesn’t have enough tissue, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting surgery. The thought of jaw surgery can cause anxiety, but knowing about the procedure and recovery can help put your mind at ease. Below is information on how to prepare, what to expect, and what recovery will look like.

Your Guide to Jawbone Grafting Surgery

How To Prepare

If your physician recommends general anesthesia for your bone grafting procedure, you’ll likely have to limit food and drink 24 hours before to avoid complications. Don’t smoke in the day leading up to the jaw surgery, either. You should plan on having a friend or family member drive you to the appointment and drive you home, and you may need to schedule time off work, as you shouldn’t operate machinery for 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia.

Regardless of whether local or general anesthetic is being used, make sure your oral surgeon knows about any illnesses you have, including a stomach bug or cold, and any medications you take that could complicate the procedure. You shouldn’t wear jewelry or makeup, as they can contaminate the operation site and get in the way of the oral surgeon. Wear comfortable clothing, shower, and thoroughly clean your mouth the morning of the operation. 

What To Expect From the Procedure

There are different options for bone grafts that could affect the steps of the procedure. You and your surgeon should discuss all options beforehand to determine the best route. Some options include synthetic bone material, using bone from a cadaver, or using bone from an animal. Another option is to use bone from elsewhere in your body for the graft. If the latter is the case, then there will be a second surgical site where the bone material is collected, and general anesthesia is more likely to be used.

When you arrive for your procedure, you’ll be able to ask any questions you have and go over the process again with your surgeon. You’ll be given local anesthetic to prevent discomfort, and if planned, general anesthesia will also be administered. The surgeon will then make a minor incision in your gums where the graft will be placed. The bone material or granules will be applied to the bone under the incision and, if necessary, secured to the bone below. Your surgeon will then close the incision.

What To Expect From Recovery

A gauze pad will be placed over the incision to stop bleeding and allow a clot to form, and this should be left in place for half an hour or more, depending on what your physician advises. You shouldn’t smoke after the surgery, and you should avoid rinsing or touching the area so you don’t start bleeding again. Most patients experience mild discomfort similar to the recovery period of a tooth extraction, but it’s manageable with pain medication. Swelling, bruising, bleeding, and muscle stiffness are all natural parts of your recovery, but if you’re concerned about your discomfort or believe it’s abnormal, contact your oral surgeon for advice.

If you’re searching for a skilled expert to do your bone grafting procedure, look no further than Oral Surgery Associates of Central Georgia in Warner Robins. With an experienced team of professionals, they’ll provide top-of-the-line care while reducing any anxiety you may have about your procedure. They’re willing to work with most insurances, and they use advanced technology and procedures to ensure you receive the finest care available. View them online to learn more about their services, or call (478) 971-8811 to schedule a bone grafting consultation today.