Dental bone grafts are a common procedure that’s often done before getting dental implants. These are typically quick, outpatient treatments that many dentists can perform. If you’ve been told you need a bone graft, you might be wondering what to expect. One of the most common questions is, "Will it be painful?" Keep reading to learn more about the procedure and the level of discomfort you may experience during recovery.
Why do I need a dental bone graft?
The most common reason for needing a dental bone graft is to fix the damage done from tooth loss or gum disease and to prepare for tooth replacement. Certain tooth replacement options require a healthy jawbone that can support them. When someone loses a tooth, the jawbone begins to deteriorate because of a loss of stimulation to the area where the tooth was lost. Over time, this will cause loss of bone thickness, which ultimately would prevent the jawbone from being able to support certain types of tooth replacement options.
One of the most popular and effective forms of tooth replacement are dental implants. The biggest selling point of these prosthetic teeth is that they look, feel, and function like natural ones. The prosthetic is permanently installed in the mouth and anchored to the jawbone using a post. The tooth is then attached to that post, which gives it a solid foundation in the mouth. To anchor the dental implant in the jaw, the jawbone needs to be thick enough for the post to fuse with. When the jawbone is not thick enough, additional bone must be added through a bone grafting procedure. This helps ensure that the implant has a solid foundation in the jawbone to support the prosthetic.
Is bone grafting a painful procedure?
The procedure itself is pain free. This is because you are sedated it. This means that you will not be aware of what is happening and therefore will feel not feel pain.
The procedure is invasive though, so it is normal to feel pain in the procedure sites when the anesthesia wears off. Most people report that the pain is manageable though. You will likely be prescribed pain relievers by your dentist to help manage any discomfort. Everyone’s ability to tolerate pain and discomfort is unique to that person though, so what you experience in pain may be different than what others do.
In general, the recovery time for bone grafting can take between 2 weeks and 2 months. Any discomfort or pain from the procedure will usually go away within a few days following the procedure. The total time of recovery will vary based on several factors such as the age and health of the person, the amount of grafting performed, and the person’s behaviors and habits.
What does this mean for me?
If you are worried about the pain you might experience from bone grafting, speak with your dentist. They will be able to tell you the steps that they will take to minimize your discomfort as well as discuss their philosophy on pain management. They will also be able to assess your unique circumstances and let you know what you might expect.