Are Dental Bone Grafts Painful?
A dental implant is an excellent treatment option commonly used to replace a missing tooth. One limitation of dental implants is that the patient must have adequate jawbone structure required to support the implant. When a patient does not have enough bone structure, they may first require a dental bone graft. A bone graft is a common surgical procedure used in dentistry, and is typically completed prior to the placement of a dental implant.
The jawbone relies on stimulation through ongoing chewing. Following the loss of a tooth, there can be a lack of stimulation to the jaw, resulting in resorption or bone loss. Prompt replacement of a missing tooth aids in preventing bone loss or resorption. In the event the bone structure is damaged or a long time has passed between the loss of the tooth and replacement, a bone graft is commonly required to restore damaged bone structure.
Discomfort
Many potential bone grafting patients are curious to learn about how painful the procedure is. Fortunately, bone grafts do not typically result in a great deal of pain. Grafting is a relatively common outpatient procedure. In some cases, patients chose to be sedated to prevent anxiety or discomfort. A local anesthetic will be used at the treatment site to ensure patients remain comfortable and do not have pain. It is normal for patients to experience swelling and minor discomfort immediately following the treatment. Symptoms naturally improve over time and can typically be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication.
Recovery
The bone graft will fuse to the natural jawbone over time as it heals. On average, this takes about 4-6 months. The recovery process can be extended for more complicated cases and take up to 12 months. The dental professional will schedule regular appointments with the patient to monitor the graft and ensure it is healing as expected. Following the recovery of the jawbone, the dental team can proceed with the placement of the implant.
Types of Bone Grafts
Different types of bone grafts exist and can be used depending on various factors, including the location of the missing tooth and the amount of damage. Common types of bone grafts used in dentistry are summarized below:
- Socket Graft: The socket graft is the most common type of bone graft. Human donor bone is commonly used for the procedure, which involves the placement of a graft into the missing tooth’s socket.
- Lateral Ridge Preservation: This graft increases the width of the jawbone, which ensures it can accommodate and support the implant. It is common to use human donor bone with this graft.
- Sinus Lift: During this type of graft, dental professionals commonly opt to use bone tissue obtained from a horse. The equine bone can also be used in addition to human donor bone. A sinus lift graft is used in cases where the patient lacks jawbone structure and requires an implant in the upper jaw.
- Block Bone Graft: This graft is used for patients who have substantial bone loss. The dental professional will obtain a small block of bone from the back of the patient’s jaw and secure the graft using small titanium screws.
Each graft has specific benefits and challenges. It is important for patients to work with their provider to determine the best graft to use for their unique situation.
If you are considering a dental implant and suspect that you may first require a bone graft, contact the office today. Our team can review the bone grafting procedure and discuss any questions you have regarding the timeline for treatment, expected pain, and recovery.