How Painful is Gum Grafting?
The discomfort associated with gum grafting can vary significantly, and will largely be determined by the type of graft being performed. For patients who receive grafting tissue from a donor source, the experience tends to be less painful overall, and is often categorized as minimal discomfort. Conversely, if the grafting material is taken from the palate (i.e. the roof of the mouth) you may experience slight to moderate pain during and after the procedure.
Another factor that will determine how much pain or discomfort you experience is the extent of your gum recession. Individuals who have more severe gum recession, and in particular patients who have severe gum recession and are utilizing their own tissue for the graft, may feel a heightened level of discomfort compared to those with milder conditions or those using donor grafting materials.
During the gum grafting procedure itself, steps will be taken to alleviate any pain you may  experience. Typically, a local anesthetic is administered, which will help minimize discomfort and reduce the possibility of pain occurring during the treatment. In some cases, dentists or periodontists may provide dental sedation to further manage discomfort and ease any anxieties you may have prior to or during the procedure.
Depending on the clinic, you may have a variety of sedation options, which include oral sedation, which is typically taken the morning of your procedure. Additional sedation options include Nitrous Oxide and IV sedation for more severe cases or for patients who struggle with extreme anxiety during dental visits.
If you are given dental sedation, it may be necessary to coordinate a ride home following your procedure. You may also want to consider scheduling time off work or asking a friend or loved one to be on hand while you wait for the effects of the sedation to wear off.
Pain After the Gum Grafting Procedure
Once the effects of the anesthetic or sedation have faded, you may start to feel discomfort or pain. To help lessen this discomfort and aid in your recovery process, it is essential to have a strategy in place. One of the most common and straightforward options is the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain relief medications. For patients who are at a higher risk for developing infections, antibiotics may also be prescribed. Regardless of the medication type, it is critical to follow the prescribed dosage instructions.
Be sure to maintain gentle pressure on the site with gauze until the bleeding stops. Avoid brushing the grafted area until full healing occurs; utilize a specialized mouth rinse to maintain oral hygiene during recovery. It is also recommended that patients avoid strenuous activities for one to three days post-surgery. Adhering to a soft food diet for one to two weeks is also important. By diligently following these recommendations, you can expect a smoother recovery and minimal pain.
If you closely follow these steps, your recovery period should be fast and your pain level minimal. If you have been following these steps and are still experiencing pain, bruising, or swelling that seems unusual or excessive, contact your dentist to schedule a follow-up appointment.