6 Steps to a Successful Oral Bone Graft Procedure

Good jawbone health is essential to supporting dental implants and other restorative dental procedures. Tooth loss, accidental injuries, and periodontal disease are common causes of dental bone loss that can weaken your jaw or impair jaw health. To compensate for poor bone density, Dr. Amer Atassi from Acura Dental Implants & Periodontics in Darien, Illinois, can perform an oral bone graft procedure before implant treatment. 

Bone grafting entails adding bone tissue to your jaw to increase bone mass and improve jaw health and function. This bone tissue may come from your own body or a separate donor source.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to dental bone grafting treatment:  

Step 1: Consultation 

Dr. Atassi will schedule a consultation to evaluate your mouth, assess your oral health, and review your medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate for bone grafting. We’ll also take X-rays to check your bone health to see if a bone graft is needed. If so, we’ll review the process for getting a bone graft and address any concerns you may have so you can make an informed decision about this treatment. Once you agree to proceed with this treatment, we’ll schedule your surgery.

Step 2: Anesthesia

As bone grafting entails surgery, anesthesia will be needed. On the date of your surgery, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb your mouth for this treatment. We also offer the calming effects of dental sedation for anyone who wishes to avail themselves of this medication.  

Step 3: Surgery

After numbing your mouth, Dr. Atassi will make an incision in your gums to gain access to your jawbone. We’ll then graft a new bone to the area where bone loss occurred to fortify your jaw.

Step 4: Gum Closure

Once the new bone is in place, we’ll close your gum with stitches or sutures so it can heal. If bone tissue were taken from your body, we’ll suture that area as well.

Step 5: Post-Op Care

To aid in your recovery, Dr. Atassi will provide detailed instructions for post-op care. Some pain, soreness, or inflammation is expected, so there’s no cause for alarm. You can take OTC or prescription medication to manage these symptoms. We may also provide antibiotics to help prevent infection. We recommend you rest for several days after your procedure to expedite your healing. Observe a liquid or soft food diet during your initial recovery to avoid the discomfort of chewing. By the end of the week, you should be eating normally, although you should continue to avoid hard and spicy food.  

Step 6: Follow-Up Visits

Over the next weeks and months, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and healing. Complete healing may take 3 – 12 months, depending on your age, the complexity of your treatment, and the capacity of your body to heal. 

Oral Bone Graft Procedure Near Me

To schedule a consultation for bone grafting treatment, contact Dr. Amer Atassi from Acura Dental Implants & Periodontics in Darien, IL at (630) 581-0000.