Dr. James J. Wu, DDS

In order to optimize graft healing, the graft material should not be disturbed from chewing force and the site must remain infection free. This will typically mean that the dentist will require that you not chew directly over the site for the duration of the bone graft healing and (s)he will likely require you to use an antibiotic and perhaps an antiseptic mouth rinse initially for the first week of healing. Depending on the grafting method, graft healing time is variable. It can be as quick as 4 months and sometimes up to 9 months.

If you mean orthognathic jaw surgery, current surgical techniques will use plates and screws to set your jaws in their new position. It will take about 12 weeks for the bone to heal in their new positions so although you should be able to open and close your mouth after surgery, most surgeons will limit your diet initially to liquids and purees and then advance to soft solids after 6 weeks and then finally to firmer foods at 12 weeks. This is to allow the bone a chance to heal without placing to much force on the bone which may create poor healing.

Do I need antibiotics after a bone graft? In my opinion, not every bone graft requires management with an antibiotic afterwards, especially in an otherwise healthy patient. The size of the graft and the technique employed has more to do with risk of infection than having the graft itself. There is also a downside to taking antibiotics when not absolutely necessary. If the risk of infection from the treatment is low, the adverse effects with taking an antibiotic would be disruption of your G.I microbiome and the creation of resistant bacteria. Antibiotic use should be considered judiciously, and if given prophylactically, it should be in a higher risk situation to help a patients immune system prevent a post treatment infection. Sincerely, James J Wu, DDS, FRCD(C) Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Boston University School of Dental Medicine Mentor and Scientific Advisor Kois Center, Seattle, WA Consultant and Trainer ReNEW Dental, Tewksbury, MA

This depends on the kind of bone loss you have and the cause. Dental implant treatment needs to be considered with caution if you have bone loss from active gum disease. The bacteria that causes gum disease and bone loss can also damage your investment in implant teeth.

Novacain anesthesia is very reasonable for all dental treatments, including bone grafting and dental implants. More anesthesia like nitrous oxide and IV anesthesia is only needed for those that are very nervous about having the treatment.

A temporary crown can b e placed on an implant immediately after placement only if the implant goes in with enough initial stability in the bone. If the implant is not stable enough, putting a crown on it puts the implant at risk for not taking to the bone.