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Can Dental Bone Graft Fail?
Yes bone graft failure is common when an inexperienced dentist perform that. Even though it is rare, your dental implant can fail. You can have an experienced, cautious and skilled surgeon and still have gum recession after bone graft. The main reasons your dental implants bone graft may fail are your overall health, your surgery and your care after surgery. You can even experience pain after bone graft. This being said, implants are both effective and safe. Great care is taken during the manufacturing of your dental implants.
What Are the Signs of a Failed Bone Graft?
Your bone graft will not be secure if your jawbone does not grow properly around your implant. Your success is based on numerous factors including how well your bone grafting was performed. You must also use proper dental care such as brushing and flossing your teeth daily. If your teeth do not receive proper care, peri-implantitis can occur. Your bone can be damaged by this gum disease resulting in gum recession after bone graft. If your condition is not discovered early, your tooth can become loose. Smoking is also a dental risk.
What Causes a Dental Bone Graft to Fail?
There are different stages of failed dental implants, early and late. If you are experiencing early failure, you will see signs in about three to four months after you have had your surgery. It is critical your dental hygienist takes the correct steps to help prevent failure such as sterility. You can have the best possible surgeon, but the integration between your jaw and implants may simply not take. If you are experiencing early failure, you will see one or more of the following signs.
- You may not have enough blood flowing to your implant
- Your implant may move before you have finished healing
- Your health may deteriorate
- You may get an infection inside of your mouth
If you are experiencing late failure, it can take anywhere from 12 months to 10 years to see any signs after you have had surgery. The signs you will notice include:
- You may start clenching your teeth
- Your oral hygiene may start to deteriorate
- A bacterial infection
- You may see food trapped between your implants
- There may not be enough gum tissue or bone in the area
- You may experience pain in your head and neck
- Additional stress placed on your implants
Can Bone Graft Fall Out?
One of the questions you may be asking is can bone graft fall out. The short answer is yes. Your bone graft is most likely constructed using particulate bone. The consistency of this material is a lot like sand. If you feel a few little granules on your tongue for a couple of days after your surgery, it is normal. Some of the granules can become loose and you will notice them in your mouth. There are steps you can take to help as few granules fall out as possible including:
- You should not touch the area with your fingers because you may damage or disturb your wound.
- Keep your tongue away from the area as much as possible to let your dental implant stabilize while you are healing.
- Do not move your lip to examine your sutures. Not only can you damage your wound, but you can also rip your sutures.
- Although it can be difficult, do not smoke for a minimum of two weeks after your surgery.
- Do not put any pressure on your implant while you are healing or it may move.
- If you had a denture placed during your procedure, you may need an adjustment. Your best option is visiting a restorative dentist. You will also be shown the correct way to take out your denture and put it back in.
- You should rinse your mouth out very gently on the second day after your surgery. Be careful how much force you use because you do not want to loosen any of the granules in your bone graft.
Your dentist most likely told you the process of receiving a bone graft is considered a delicate procedure. If you want to help eliminate any potential complications and excess pain after bone graft, you need to follow the instructions you were given by your dental hygienist or dentist. Your dentist is knowledgeable about the procedure you had performed. You should feel confident in asking any questions you may have. Always remember, your dentist wants your dental implant to be smooth, uneventful and successful.
As long as you have chosen a properly trained and experienced dentist, your chances of success are good. You need to be completely honest with your dentist to help them ensure your bone graft is successful. You can improve your chances by telling your dentist about any current health conditions, diseases and all of the medications you are using.
Can a Dental Bone Graft Get Infected?
It is possible your bone graft may become infected. The cause of your infection is most likely bacteria. This may have happened due to infected bone grafting material or dental tools. Your care after surgery is also extremely important to help prevent you from getting an infection. If the dental tool used during your surgery was infected, a bone graft infection is possible. To eliminate any infection from your dental tools, they were sterilized by your dentist.
Although it is rare, your grafting material may have been infected. The chances of your donated bone resulting in infection are rare. The most common causes of an infection, swelling or pain after bone graft are the way you took care of your mouth after your surgery. You need to follow the instructions you were given to help ensure the best recovery possible. If you do have an infection, it may have been caused by not following your dentist’s instructions correctly or improperly caring for your mouth after your surgery.
It is completely normal for your bone to show for up to a week after your procedure. Once you have finished healing, your gum will cover the bone. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics for you to help prevent infection and enhance your healing process. The antibiotics will actually become a part of your blood clot. You will most likely be prescribed either amoxicillin or clindamycin. If you notice little bits of bone falling out, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
What Happens After My Bone Graft?
The first step your dentist will take after your bone graft is covering the area with a gauze pad. You need to leave your gauze pad in place to help prevent bleeding for approximately 30 minutes. Do not probe the area with your finger or you can cause damage to both your stitches and your wound. After your anesthesia has worn off, you may have a slight fever or feel some discomfort. If you are experiencing pain, you can take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist. You can also use Mortin, Advil or Ibuprofin.
You should not use any type of acetaminophens because you can make any bleeding worse. This includes medications like Aspirin and Tylenol. Feeling a little pain or discomfort after your procedure is normal and you do not need to be concerned. Any pain you are experiencing should go away within a few days. If your pain persists, your should see your dentist as soon as possible just in case there is an issue. Wait until you are comfortable before you go back to your usual activities. Taking care while you are healing is a very important step for your success.
You should place a block of ice where your procedure was performed to help numb that side of your mouth. It is important to mention the importance of following the instructions you received from your dentist again. This is the best way to help ensure you heal properly and your bone graft is successful. If you have developed an infection, take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. Even if the swelling and pain disappear, you need to take your entire prescription. Just because your symptoms are gone does not mean you do not still have an infection.
If you notice any negative reaction to your medication or develop a rash, you need to stop taking your medication and consult with your dentist immediately. The most important steps you can take are having your bone graft performed by an experienced and skilled dentist, following instructions, taking all of the medications you were prescribed and taking care of your mouth correctly. As long as your bone graft is performed properly, you should not experience any issues.
Where to Go for Dental Implants Bone Grafting
The experience, training and skill of your dentist are critical for helping to ensure your dental implants are successful. If you are looking for a qualified dentist in the Los Angeles area for a bone graft or dental implants, one of your best possible options is Bruce Vafa DDS. of Smile Angels. You can be assured you will receive both the care and skill you need for a successful dental implant.