Gum grafting is a common dental procedure that restores your gums to good health. If you are considering treatment, knowing the healing process and consulting a dentist near you are important. Here, we will look at how long it takes for a gum graft to heal, factors impacting healing time, and tips for smooth recovery.
Understanding Gum Graft
A gum graft is a type of dental surgery performed to correct the effects of gum recession. It’s a quick and relatively simple surgery in which a periodontist removes healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and uses it to build the gum back up where it has receded.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
The healing time after receiving a gum graft in Brandon is different for everyone. The following represents an overview of what you could experience during your healing phase:
The First Few Days
- Days 1-3: Immediately after surgery, your gums are sore and swollen, so you need to follow your dentist’s instructions with extra care. Normally, this includes not brushing in the treated area, not drinking with a straw, and consuming soft foods. Moreover, smoking and consuming tobacco products should be avoided.
- Days 4 through 7: The pain should begin to slowly subside. however, you may still be concerned about what to eat and how to clean your teeth. In that case, you can have soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and other soft foods. Avoid hard food that is difficult to chew, spicy, or crunchy, as this may irritate the graft area.
Week 2 (Days 8 to 14)
At this stage, your graft has already started to integrate with natural gum tissue. At this stage, you can brush your teeth slowly and gently. Continue to follow the instructions given by your dentist for proper healing.
Two to Four Weeks
The new gum tissue will start to integrate with your gums, blending seamlessly with your existing gum tissue. After four weeks, you can slowly introduce yourself to solid foods that are gentle on your gums.
Four to Six Weeks
The treated area is almost healed, strengthening the gum tissue and allowing you to resume your normal diet. Remember to keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing gently.
Three to Six Months
Dental gum grafts can take three to six months to fully heal. During this time, the strength of the gum tissue will increase, and it will blend well with the surrounding gum tissue. It is important to have a consultation with your dentist near you to ensure that your dental graft heals properly.
Gum graft healing is a slow thing and needs patience and care. Although individual healing times vary, most patients will have experienced major improvements within a few months.
Restore Your Smile With Our Gum Grafting Services Today!
Chancellor Dental Group is here to help with the process of gum grafts and any other dental options you may need. Our dentist in Brandon works to provide care and support in every way possible while guiding you along the dental care journey. Contact us today to ensure that you continue to look beautiful and maintain a healthy smile!
