How Long Does It Take Gum Grafting to Heal?
When gum recession occurs, the roots of the teeth become exposed leaving the area susceptible to decay, abrasion, and sensitivity to hot and cold. Because a person’s gum tissue is not able to regenerate on its own, a gum graft rockford illinois (gingival graft) is one of the only available methods to combat gum recession. Commonly performed by a gum specialist (periodontist), a gum graft is a relatively easy surgical procedure. Patients that have been told they need gum grafting, may be wondering how long it takes to heal from the procedure.
Recovering from Gum Grafting Surgery
There are three gum grafting techniques used to combat gum recession: connective tissue grafting, free gingival grafting, and pedicle grafting. Which technique the doctor uses is largely dependent on the extent of gum recession applicable to the patient. Regardless of the method used on the patient, the surgery itself is painless since it is performed after the patient receives a local anesthetic to numb the gums around the surgical site.
Gum grafting procedures are performed on an out-patient basis so after the surgery has been completed, the patient is able to return home the same day. In addition to the anesthesia used for the procedure, patients are often given a sedative to help them relax. Because of this, the patient will need to make arrangements to have someone drive them to and from the surgery.
Once the anesthesia and sedative have worn off (within a few hours), it is normal, and should be expected, for the patient to experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling in the areas surrounding the surgical site. In general, these effects only last for a few days before subsiding and can be well managed using prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Should the pain be excessive or last longer than expected, the patient should consult the dentist to ensure there were no unexpected complications.
The dentist will provide the patient with specific instructions regarding post-surgical care. One of the most common instructions will be dietary limitations. For up to two weeks following the procedure, the patient will be instructed to eat a diet of soft, cool foods, such as Jell-O, ice cream, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, or pasta. Hard, sticky, or hot foods will need to be avoided so as not to damage the grafted tissue.
The patient’s oral cleaning routine will also be impacted from the surgery. Until the grafted tissue has fully healed, which could be 2-4 weeks, flossing and brushing should be avoided in that area. Instead, an antimicrobial mouthwash will be recommended to prevent infection and plaque buildup on the teeth. Once the doctor clears the patient to resume normal brushing (typically around 30 days), the patient should gently clean the area using a soft bristled toothbrush as overaggressive flossing and brushing can open the wound and lead to infections.
Until advised by the doctor, physical activity and certain medications may also need to be avoided as these can exacerbate bleeding. If bleeding occurs, the patient should place sterile gauze around (not over) the grafted tissue. Should bleeding not stop after applying pressure for 20 minutes, contact the doctor for follow up to ensure no complications.
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