Warning Signs Your Dental Bone Graft May Not Be Healing Properly

Bone grafting is often the first step in restoring your smile after tooth loss. It helps rebuild your jawbone so it can support dental implants. But like any medical procedure, sometimes things do not go as planned. 

In this blog, you will learn how to recognize the symptoms of dental bone graft failure and what to do if you notice a problem.At Concord Oral Surgery in Vaughan, ON we offer several grafting procedures including sinus lifts, socket preservation, and ridge augmentation. Each treatment is planned with precision using CBCT imaging and the latest technology to support long-term success.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft rebuilds the jawbone where it is too thin, soft, or damaged.

Bone loss happens after tooth extractions, trauma, periodontal disease, or advanced gum disease. Without enough bone volume, your jaw can’t support a dental implant. 

Oral surgeons use grafting procedures to preserve the ridge and make implant placement possible. They may use your own natural bone, donor tissue, or synthetic materials depending on your needs.

After the surgical procedure, the graft must integrate with your bone tissue. This process is called “osseointegration.” It typically takes several weeks to a few months. If the graft fails to integrate, implant treatment may be delayed or impossible.

Learn more in this article: The Benefits of Dental Bone Grafts: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Smile

Early Symptoms of Bone Graft Failure

Bone graft failure does not always happen right away. You may start with mild discomfort and swelling, which is expected after any oral surgery. However, when symptoms last too long or worsen, your body may not be accepting the bone graft material.

Common early signs include:

• Persistent swelling: Intense swelling that increases after the first 72 hours or does not go down may signal a problem.
• Pain that worsens over time: Some soreness is normal, but increasing or severe pain could indicate bone graft infection or failed integration.
• Excessive bleeding: Minor bleeding is common early on, but bleeding that restarts after stopping should be checked.
• Pus or discharge: Yellow or green discharge at the surgical site often points to infection.
• Fever: A fever may suggest the body is reacting to infection or bone graft rejection.
• Runny nose: If the graft was near the sinus cavities, drainage or congestion may suggest complications.

Later Symptoms of Bone Graft Failure

Failure may become obvious weeks or months later during the dental bone graft healing process.

Once the initial swelling subsides, the healing bone should feel stable and pain-free. But if something does not feel right after that, it could mean your dental bone graft did not integrate properly.

Delayed signs include:

• Exposed bone or graft particles: Bone fragment or material pushing through the gum tissues is a warning sign.
• Poor healing of gums: If your gums remain open or recede from the area, the graft may not have integrated.
• Loose feeling in nearby teeth: This may signal bone instability around the graft site.
• Bad taste or chronic bad breath: Ongoing infection can cause an unpleasant taste or smell.

Common Causes of Bone Graft Failure

Several factors can prevent a bone graft from healing properly or integrating with the surrounding bone.

Potential causes include:

1. Bone graft infection: Bacterial contamination during or after surgery can disrupt the healing process.
2. Poor blood supply: Bone grafts need healthy blood vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen.
3. Underlying health conditions: Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or smoking can weaken healing and oral health.
4. Rejection of graft material: Although rare, your body may not accept the graft.
5. Mechanical stress: Chewing, biting hard or crunchy foods, or ill-fitting dentures can dislodge the graft.

What to Do If You Suspect Bone Graft Failure

Contact your oral surgeon immediately if you notice persistent pain, gum recession, or signs of infection.

Early intervention can sometimes save the bone graft or prevent more serious complications. At Concord Oral Surgery, Dr. Robert Barron personally follows up with every oral surgery patient and will take time to assess any potential issues.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Oral Surgeon

If you are experiencing symptoms of dental bone graft failure or need expert guidance before a dental bone graft procedure, schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon at Concord Oral Surgery. 

We will evaluate your oral health, review your options, and create a treatment plan that supports your long-term success.

To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, ON, call (905) 669-2616. We are located at 3300 Highway 7 West, Suite 805 Vaughan, ON.

FAQs About Dental Bone Graft Failure