Bone Graft
What are bone grafts?A bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone in order to repair bone fractures that are extremely complex, pose a significant health risk to the patient, or fail to heal properly. There are several types of bone grafts used in this office.
Allograft: This type of bone graft uses bone tissue that is harvested from a cadaver or a human tissue bank. Allografts are considered a safe and effective option for bone grafting, but may not be as predictable as autografts.
Xenograft: This type of bone graft uses bone tissue that is harvested from an animal source, such as bovine or porcine bone. Xenografts are considered a safe and effective option for bone grafting, but may not be as predictable as autografts.
Alloplast: This type of bone graft uses synthetic materials, such as calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite. Alloplasts are considered a safe and effective option for bone grafting, but may not be as predictable as autografts.
Alloderm: This type of bone graft uses cadaveric human skin that has been processed to remove all cells, leaving only the collagen matrix. This is also considered a safe and effective option for bone grafting.
What are the home care instructions?
Home care instructions following a bone graft procedure may vary depending on the specific procedure and the dentist's instructions, but some general guidelines include:
Bite gently on the gauze pad for about 30 minutes to stop any bleeding that may occur after the procedure.
Avoid eating or drinking anything hot for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Avoid smoking and using tobacco products for at least 72 hours after the procedure.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the treated area.
Keep the treated area clean by rinsing your mouth with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash as directed by your dentist.
Apply cold compresses to the treated area if swelling occurs.
Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your dentist to alleviate any discomfort or pain.
Keep any follow-up appointments with your dentist as scheduled to monitor the healing process.
Do not disturb the surgical site, avoid poking or prodding it with your tongue or fingers.
You may experience some numbness or tingling in the area of the bone graft. This is normal and should resolve within a few weeks.
It's important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or dental professional to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome for your bone graft treatment. If you experience severe pain, swelling, fever or any other symptoms please contact your dentist or dental professional right away.
