Swelling Wont Go 1 Year After Bone Graft Upper Maxilla? (photo)

Question

I had bone taken from my hip and placed in my upper maxilla. i am 21, i was involved in an accident where i lost 5 of my teeth and most of the bone on the right side of my upper maxilla. i looked fine after the accident except for the missing teeth. I decided to get the bone graft for the implants. the surgeon used abdominal muscle to act as the gums covering the implant. its been one year since the operation a lot of the swelling has subsided but there is still a noticeable amount on my cheek.

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

This looks to be an unusual amount of swelling one year following the surgery. Consider seeing a Periodontist or an Oral Surgeon to evaluate. They can take a 3D CT scan that will give great detail of the area and what could be occurring. They can then give recommendations based on their findings. Good luck.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

The swelling should have subsided by now. Go see an oral surgeon so that he can evaluate what has been done.

Robert Penning, DMD · Answer

Hi Sam

	Sorry to hear about the accident. Hope you are recovering well. It is difficult to offer much of an opinion just from the photos you sent. However, usually, swelling is a short-term accumulation of fluid. If you press on the area you are concerned about and it isn't soft, spongy or painful, it probably isn't swelling. More often, it is simply a contour of the graft (hard or soft tissue) that isn't in the shape that you expect to see. I would discuss with your surgical or restorative team.

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

Attend this as soon as posible, its a very delicate area, where the sinus could be involved,and this might be causing problems also on that area, and that could be why it does not heal.

Murray Bruckel, DDS (retired) · Answer

The swelling should have subsided by now.  Go see an oral surgeon so that he can evaluate what has been done.

Swelling Wont Go 1 Year After Bone Graft Upper Maxilla? (photo)

Answers (5)