The free gingival graft procedure is a type of surgery used to increase and improve the amount of gum tissue that surrounds teeth or dental implants. The procedure uses a small amount of the patient’s own oral tissue, derived from their palate, to restore and reinforce areas that require supplemental gum tissue. Dentists use anesthesia for free gingival grafts, so the procedure itself won’t hurt, but there is some pain and discomfort associated with healing from the procedure, like any surgery. There are other types of gum grafts that have a more mild recovery, like pinhole procedures, donor tissue grafts, and connective tissue grafting; because free gingival grafts have two separate surgical sites, however – the palate, and the repaired gums – recovery may involve slightly more discomfort. Your dentist will review your options and your expected pain levels and recovery time as you plan your gum graft procedure.
What Should I Expect After a Free Gingival Procedure?
Periodontists use anesthesia for free gingival grafts, which means the patient’s oral tissues are numb during the procedure. While local anesthetic is the usual choice, patients may also opt for sedation if desired. Some patients report feeling some pressure as the periodontist manipulates the keratinized oral tissues, but there shouldn’t be any pain during the procedure. Following the procedure, patients might expect soreness, swelling, or discomfort in the harvest area and the graft site. The harvest area is a small spot in the palate, where the periodontist will make an incision to extract a small wedge of tissue before suturing the incision shut. Then, this wedge of tissue is situated snugly to the gum line, where it is securely stitched into place. Each person’s pain threshold is different, of course, though other factors influence the amount of pain you might expect to feel after a free gingival graft. The complexity and size of the grafted area can also affect the levels of discomfort patients may feel as they recover. Patients can help minimize their own discomfort and facilitate effective healing by closely following the dentist’s post-operative care instructions, preventing potentially painful and damaging complications like infection. Most patients notice diminished discomfort after a few days, though some discomfort could linger for a week or two. Regular follow-up appointments will help you address any concerns or potential complications with your periodontist.
How Can I Manage Discomfort After My Free Gingival Graft?
Dentists may prescribe pain medication after more complicated graft procedures, though many patients find relief from over-the-counter analgesics. Cold packs, applied to the cheeks adjacent to the surgical sites, can also help reduce swelling and soothe soreness within the first day or two following the graft procedure. For the first few days after a free gingival graft, patients should avoid hot beverages and irritating foods, focusing on a diet of soft, mild foods that won’t aggravate the surgical sites. Maintaining oral hygiene habits after gum grafts is imperative to their healing and long-term health, but patients must take extra care to protect the graft area and harvest site as they heal, gently yet thoroughly cleaning the oral cavity as directed by their dentist. While there is some pain that accompanies the healing of free gingival grafts, for many satisfied patients, the noticeable long-term aesthetic and health benefits these gum restorations provide are well worth a week or two of manageable discomfort.