5 Signs of Dental Bone Graft Failure

It would help if you had a dental bone graft to recover from gum recession, but the procedure failed. What went wrong? It happens more often than people think.

Before getting a bone graft procedure, you must know the potential signs of dental bone graft failure to avoid them. Otherwise, you will end up more damaged than before.

We want to help you avoid that worst-case scenario. Here’s a list of the problems you should watch out for after your bone graft surgery.

1. Abnormal Healing

Abnormal healing is a common sign of dental bone graft failure. Bone grafting is replacing or augmenting existing bone with donor or artificial tissue.

When tissue grafts don’t take well after surgery, there may be a delay in healing or a complete failure of healing. If left unchecked, these abnormalities can lead to further complications and loss of function.

Monitoring signs of abnormal healing is essential to the successful outcome of dental bone grafts. 

2. Swelling

Swelling is one of the most common signs of dental bone graft failure. Swelling will occur if the bone graft becomes irritated or infected. The degree of swelling may vary based on the severity of the bone graft failure.

The affected area may feel warm to the touch due to increased blood flow, and pain or tenderness may be present. If this sign occurs, contacting your dentist immediately for an evaluation and possible treatment is essential. 

3. Infection

Infection is a common sign of bone graft failure in dental restoration. The infection occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms spread to the area of the bone graft. To prevent infection, patients should maintain good oral hygiene habits before and after the procedure and visit their dentist for check-ups and dental care.

Additionally, contact your dentist if you experience any symptoms of infection. In more extreme cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the presence of infection or radiographs to determine if a secondary infection is present. 

4. Displacement

Displacement is one of the most common signs of dental bone graft failure. Dental bone graft failure occurs when a bone graft does not integrate with the jawbone, leading to graft failure.

It is essential to check for signs of displacement when assessing the success of a dental bone graft. They can be removed in many ways, including misalignment of the graft, unresponsive contact between the graft and the existing jawbone, and shifts in the surrounding soft tissues. If they detect a displacement, you may need more treatments, such as revision surgery. 

5. Pain 

Pain is usually a sign that the dental bone graft procedure was unsuccessful. The treated area is likely to cause discomfort, and pain should become quite severe when the bone graft does not integrate and bond.

The graft may even break down and cause the tooth to become loose. In some cases, the numbness and pain may result from a foreign body reaction to the bone graft material.

If you are experiencing pain, make sure to contact a local dentist office near me to get the best dental care available.

Understanding the Signs of Dental Bone Graft Failure

Monitoring how your dental bone graft is progressing is essential. Raise concerns with your dentist should you encounter any signs of dental bone graft failure.

Dental bone graft surgery is a routine procedure that, when successful, can have life-changing effects. Early detection and rectification of any issues are vital to protecting oral health.

Contact your dentist today if you experience any signs of dental bone graft failure!

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