How Painful is Gum Grafting?
The level of pain patients will experience will vary depending on the type of gum graft trinity fl they have performed and what their natural pain tolerance is like. Patients who have donor tissue for their graft will experience minimal pain, whereas patients whose graft is surgically extracted from their mouth will experience more pain and discomfort, both during the procedure and recovery period. Another factor that will inform the level of pain experienced is the severity of your gum recession. Patients whose gums have receded significantly and require more areas being grafted will likely experience more pain and a longer period of recovery time compared to those whose case is milder.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to ensuring that our patients are as calm and comfortable as possible, which is why we offer varying levels of sedation, such as nitrous oxide and oral sedatives, which can help reduce anxiety and place you in a more relaxed state of mind, as well as intravenous (IV) anesthesia, the deepest level of sedation available.
Regardless of the severity of your case and/or what type of grafting material is being used, you can rest assured that our team will do everything they can to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while the procedure is being performed and that you have a clear understanding of what steps you can take to minimize your discomfort and speed up the healing process during your recovery period following your gum grafting procedure.
Managing Pain After the Gum Grafting Procedure
Immediately after your procedure, it will take some time for the sedation and/or local anesthetic to wear off. Once they do, you may begin to feel some mild discomfort, which can typically be alleviated with a combination of over-the-counter pain medication and/or ice therapy. You may also be prescribed antibiotics and pain medication, which should be taken as directed.
Additional steps you can take to facilitate the healing process include:
- Do not disturb the surgical area and avoid brushing the graft site until the area has healed
- Use gauze over the site to control bleeding
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods and follow a soft food diet for up to two weeks or longer if possible
- Avoid foods that are extremely hot or cold until tooth sensitivity improves
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol as much as possible, as both will inhibit the healing process
- Do not use a straw, rinse, or spit for at least 24 hours following your procedure
- Avoid moderate to intense physical activity for at least 72 hours or longer following your procedure
Provided you closely follow these aftercare instructions and continue to practice good oral hygiene habits, you should have minimal post-procedural pain and enjoy a fast recovery.
If you have any additional questions about dental sedation offerings, steps involved in the gum grafting process, or if you would like to schedule a consultation or learn more about our clinic and services, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK or fill out an online form
We look forward to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!
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