Gum graft surgery (sometimes referred to as gingival graft surgery) is a surgical method for treating receding gums. Receding gums is the situation that occurs when your gums shrink away from your teeth over time. The farther that your gums recede, the more that the roots of your teeth are exposed. That exposure of root material increases the risk of progressive tooth decay and can expose you to heightened sensitivity to heat and cold.
Receding gums are a consequence of periodontal disease that has progressed beyond mere gingivitis to the stage of periodontitis. Having said that, receding gums can be caused by factors other than gum disease, including brushing your teeth and gums too vigorously, poor dental hygiene generally and even mere age.
What is gum grafting surgery?
Gum grafting in Brandon is performed under local anesthetic so you’ll experience no pain during the procedure. The dentist at your dental clinic in Brandon will take tissue from elsewhere in your mouth — typically from the roof of your mouth — and attach it to your gums with stitches to cover the exposed roots. Before attaching the relocated tissue to your gums, the dentist will make a small incision in your existing gum tissue to create a bit of slack in the tissue to cover the affected areas and heal in the proper position. Gum grafting near you can be performed on gums around one or multiple teeth in a single session.
Recovering from gum grafting in Brandon
The typical recovery period following gum grafting surgery is approximately two weeks long, though it can be longer if the gums around multiple teeth were treated. Before you leave the dental clinic in Brandon, you’ll receive detailed instructions about how to ensure a speedy and full recovery without complications. Here are some tips to follow:
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to take following surgery to avoid infection. Be sure to take those antibiotics precisely as directed, and be sure to finish all the antibiotics. If you find the discomfort following surgery distracting, you may use over-the-counter pain medications as directed.
You can protect the roof of your mouth (from where the grafted tissue is often harvested), a dentist near you may provide you with a palatal stent that shields your upper palate. The stent will protect your palate, minimize bleeding and promote healing and avoid pain by keeping food particles from gathering around your incision.
It is completely natural to experience some swelling around your face following any dental surgery, including gum grafting. To minimize that swelling and provide some relief from pain, use cold compresses or bags of ice wrapped in a clean towel. Hold them in place for 10 to 15 minutes before removing them for 20 minutes and repeat as required.
For the first couple of days after undergoing gum grafting, avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold. Take it easy on yourself in the initial stages of recovery by eating warm (not hot) soup. Ideally, eat soups that you can “drink” with a straw so the liquid doesn’t come into contact with your stitched incisions.
Even after you’re ready to move beyond just mild soup, you should still limit yourself to soft foods for at least a week following surgery. Your palate and gums will still be healing throughout that time. You can protect and encourage healing by eating foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, oatmeal, bananas and other soft foods.
Oral hygiene is still important during recovery, though the techniques will change as you heal. You should still brush your teeth, but not the site of your gum grafts. Skip flossing for a couple of weeks until your gums have healed, but be sure to get back into that essential habit when your dentist gives you the green light.
For a two-week period following surgery, focus on resting as much as possible. You’ll likely be able to return to sedentary work or school within a couple of days, but you should avoid any strenuous exercise for two weeks.
If you experience any unexpected or concerning symptoms at any time after surgery or during your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Complications are rare, and your dentist will provide you with any advice and support necessary to complete your recovery successfully.
