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ORAL SURGERY & PERIODONTICS BLOG

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Top 4 Dental Bone Graft Questions

Surgical procedures are understandably nerve-racking for many people, and dental surgeries are no exception. If you’re considering a dental bone graft procedure, you probably have more than a few questions about what to expect. In today’s post, we’ll answer four of the most common questions our oral surgeons receive about dental bone graft procedures.

1. What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is most commonly used to replace teeth that have been lost. Dentures and other tooth replacement techniques tend to be less-than-convincing, but implants from a dental bone graft procedure can be nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth.

In a dental bone graft procedure, an oral surgeon removes a small section of bone from another area of body and grafts it to the jawbone. This procedure strengthens the jaw and creates a foundation for a new implant.

While it’s possible that dental implants can be placed in the jaw without an extensive bone graft procedure beforehand, it’s likely that a minor bone graft will be necessary in most cases.

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2. How Long Does a Dental Bone Graft Procedure Last?

The duration of a dental bone graft procedure will vary according to the extent of the procedure, however, the average dental bone graft will last roughly an hour. Follow-up visits for dental implant procedures can be expected to last roughly an hour as well.

3. How Long Will My Recovery Take?

The time it takes to recover from a dental bone graft procedure will vary with the extent of your procedure, but you should expect to take at least four days off of work and school to recover.

It will likely take up to three months to recover fully, but the most prominent discomfort following the procedure should subside within a week. Your recovery will also vary according to your diet and lifestyle. Your oral surgeon will provide you with a list of foods and beverages to avoid while recovering, and you’ll also be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise for a period of time.

It’s important to follow these instructions closely so that you can minimize the time it takes your jaw to heal. Your oral surgeon will work with you to develop an individualized post-procedure care plan that addresses your specific needs and risk factors.

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4. What Are the Risks of a Dental Bone Graft?

The risks of a dental bone graft procedure are minimal. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of bleeding and infection, but your oral surgeon will take all of the necessary precautions to ensure that you stay safe during and after the procedure.

The risks of a dental bone graft procedure also include nerve injury and stiffness of the jaw, but these complications are rare and should not deter you from undergoing a dental bone graft procedure.


We hope that this article has helped to clarify the questions you may have had about dental bone grafts.

Are you ready to improve your smile and oral health? Contact our Buffalo Grove oral surgeons today!

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