Gum Grafting Recovery
Every patient will have a slightly different recovery process, depending on the type of gum graft spring hill fl they have performed and what your natural healing process is like. Patients who have donor tissue for their graft will experience minimal pain and have a much faster recovery period, whereas patients whose graft is surgically extracted from their mouth will experience more discomfort and have a longer time spent in recovery. Another factor that will determine the recovery time is the severity of your gum recession. Patients whose gums have receded significantly and require more areas being grafted will require a longer period of recovery time compared to those whose case is milder.
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.
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.
Aftercare During the Recovery Process
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 will enjoy a fast recovery process and avoid the need for similar procedures in the future. If you have any additional questions about the recovery process or 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
We look forward to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!
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