Your dentist may recommend bone grafting surgery for several reasons, including treating an injury, strengthening your jaw after bone deterioration, or preparing the area for a dental implant. If you have this oral surgery scheduled, it's essential that you follow your dentist's directions for recovery. How you care for the area after the procedure determines how likely the graft is to successfully take, as well as making your healing time quicker.

General Recovery Tips for Bone Grafting Surgery

1. Treat Your Wound With Care

Immediately after surgery, you'll need to cover the area with gauze for about an hour or until it stops actively bleeding. The sooner the bleeding stops and the less swelling you experience, the faster and more comfortable your recovery will be. To keep swelling down, apply an ice pack for 30 minutes at a time. Your oral surgeon may also recommend some over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories, or they may prescribe something stronger.

2. Eat Soft Foods

To avoid irritating the wound, you should eat only soft foods like pudding, broth, gelatin, or mashed potatoes for the first day or two. Even after that, try to chew on the other side of your mouth, away from the incision. You can eat something cold like ice cream to help with pain and swelling. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, but don't use a straw; the suction in your mouth can reopen the wound.

3. Rest

For the first few days after your bone grafting surgery, you shouldn't do anything strenuous, like exercise. Your body needs that energy to help you heal. Stay in bed if you can and minimize physical activity. After the first few days, you can resume some light activity, but don't push yourself; the more you rest, the faster you'll recover.

If you need to arrange bone grafting surgery, contact Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Keller, TX. Serving North Fort Worth and Tarrant County, their specialists have over 25 years of experience. They also take the time to ensure you're comfortable and will follow up with you after the surgery to make sure you're recovering well. Call (817) 741-2200 or visit their website to get started.