Bone grafting before implant placement is not mandatory but is only performed in cases where the jawbone has deteriorated too much and is not strong enough to hold the implant. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of dental implants, this is a very necessary technique, but it is difficult to answer exactly how long it takes for bone grafting to heal. Because the healing time depends on many other factors. Let’s find out with BIK International Dentistry in the article below!
1. How long does it take for bone grafting to heal?
How long it takes for bone graft surgery to heal depends on the patient’s health, the method, the number of teeth lost, and post-operative care. However, the healing process after bone graft surgery usually takes about 6-12 weeks.
In addition, post-operative care is also very important to ensure a quick and effective recovery process. The doctor will guide and prescribe the patient appropriate oral care and diet during the recovery period.
Healing time often affects the time to perform the remaining techniques in the dental implant restoration regimen, so doctors always try to take measures to speed up the recovery after surgery.
2. Why is bone grafting necessary when performing an implant?
In fact, bone grafting is not a mandatory technique for all cases before performing an implant. Bone grafting will be indicated for some conditions where the patient’s jawbone is not of sufficient quality.
Bone grafting helps the jawbone become stronger, from which the implant can be held firmly in the bone in a stable manner, and can be quickly integrated with the body. This will help the dental implant process take place more quickly and safely.
3. Dental bone grafting surgery procedure
The bone grafting procedure usually takes place with the following basic steps:
3.1. General examination
First, the doctor will check the general oral health with the naked eye because some diseases such as tooth decay, pulpitis, periodontitis, etc. need to be thoroughly treated before bone grafting as well as dental implants. Then, a CT scan will be taken to determine the condition of the jawbone, as well as predict the location and amount of jawbone that needs to be implanted.
3.2. Anesthesia
After the patient has agreed to the treatment plan given by the doctor, the bone grafting area will be sterilized to avoid infection during surgery. Local anesthetic will also be injected to minimize pain for the customer.
3.3. Bone grafting surgery
The doctor will make 3 incisions at the location where the bone grafting is needed until the surgical area is exposed. Then use appropriate drills to impact the bone surface to create a space to insert bone powder or artificial bone membrane into the correct position for implantation.
3.4. Suturing the mucosa
In the final step, the doctor will suture the mucosa, shape the gums and disinfect the oral cavity. At this time, the doctor will also advise the patient on post-operative oral care and schedule the next follow-up appointment.
4. Notes before and after bone grafting surgery
For the healing process after bone grafting surgery to take place smoothly and quickly, customers should note the following:
4.1. Some notes before bone grafting surgery
– Consider choosing a reputable dental clinic, equipped with modern technology and machinery to perform examination and treatment.
– Know carefully about the origin and quality of the bone used for transplantation to ensure health safety.
– Absolutely stay away from stimulants such as alcohol, beer, cigarettes, etc. for about 4 – 6 weeks until bone grafting surgery.
– Prepare a comfortable mentality before performing bone grafting.
4.2. Some notes after bone grafting surgery
– Continuous bleeding for about 30 minutes after transplantation is completely normal. At this time, the patient needs to bite the gauze tightly until the bleeding stops.
– Absolutely do not eat, chew, or spit for about 1 hour after surgery.
– You can take pain relief measures as directed by your doctor to feel more comfortable for about 7 days after bone grafting.
– Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions on eating and oral hygiene.
– Return for a check-up according to your doctor’s appointment to monitor and correct any unwanted problems.
5. Factors determining healing time after bone grafting
The healing time after surgery also depends on the following factors:
5.1. Doctor’s skills
The bone grafting surgery before implanting the implant must be performed by the doctor directly implanting the tooth, requiring high expertise and extensive experience. How long it takes for bone grafting to heal depends largely on the doctor’s manipulation. If the doctor is not skilled, incorrect manipulation can cause dangerous complications and cause the wound to become infected, and even the subsequent dental implant can fail.
5.2. The patient’s jaw bone loss level
The patient’s jaw bone loss level as well as the time of tooth loss are also factors that affect the wound healing time. In cases where the patient has a serious level of bone loss, a large amount of artificial bone needs to be implanted to improve the jaw condition, the level of invasion will be greater and the longer it will take to heal.
5.3. Equipped technology
To ensure the patient’s recovery speed after bone grafting is fast, limiting possible complications. Dental facilities need to be fully equipped with modern machinery and technology to support doctors from the examination to treatment stages, helping to perform operations more accurately.
The instruments and tools used during surgery also need to be sterilized and disinfected according to the standards set by the Ministry of Health, limiting the risk of infection and avoiding bone rejection.
5.4. Types of bone used for transplantation
Currently, there are many types of bone used for transplantation into the jawbone and each type will have a different healing time. Specifically as follows:
– Autologous bone: This is the type of bone taken from another part of the patient’s body for transplantation, so there is no risk of rejection, and the wound also heals in the fastest time.
– Artificial bone: This is a type of bone tissue that is created by humans in a research laboratory. Because it does not have the ability to reproduce itself, when implanted, it takes time to wait for the jawbone to attach to it, so the healing time will also be longer.
– Allogeneic or homologous bone: This type of bone is taken from a donated human body or animal bone. This type of bone is often difficult to be compatible with the body, the risk of rejection is very high, so it will prolong the healing time.
5.5. Post-bone graft care regimen
How long it takes for a bone graft to heal also depends directly on the oral care regimen after surgery. Patients need to follow the doctor’s instructions on eating and oral hygiene, which helps ensure that the wound will heal quickly, while avoiding infection.
6. Does bone grafting hurt?
In fact, bone grafting is a technique that requires affecting the gums and jawbone to install dentures into the atrophied bone to help them meet the standards to support the Implant. Therefore, the bone grafting process will certainly cause pain to the patient.
However, the amount of pain depends on the doctor’s skills and the individual’s constitution. Accordingly, the doctor will instruct the patient on how to reduce pain after bone grafting or prescribe painkillers and antibiotics if necessary. Note that you should absolutely not take medication without a doctor’s instructions to ensure that your health is not affected.
7. BIK International Dental Clinic – a reputable address for bone grafting surgery
Nha khoa quoc te BIK is one of the leading centers for dental restoration and oral care in Vietnam. With a team of experienced dentists, modern equipment and advanced oral care services, BIK International Dental Clinic has become a trusted address for bone grafting surgery.
With modern bone grafting surgery, doctors at BIK International Dental Clinic have successfully restored thousands of cases of tooth loss, helping patients smile confidently again. With dedication, professionalism and prestige in each service, BIK International Dental Clinic has affirmed its position as one of the most prestigious and reliable addresses in the field of dentistry in Vietnam.
So with the information provided above, BIK International Dental Clinic hopes that you have found the answer to the question of how long it takes for bone grafting surgery to heal. To ensure the healing process takes place quickly, customers should choose to perform it at reputable dental facilities, with a team of good doctors and many years of professional experience.
