How Painful is Gum Grafting?
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure which is commonly completed. During the procedure, gum tissue is removed from an area of the mouth and relocated. A gum graft helps restore exposed tooth roots and eliminate receding gums. Gum grafting may also be performed along with a dental implant to ensure the procedure is successful.
Most cases of receding gums are caused by gum disease. When the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, there are pockets which form below the gum line. These pockets easily trap food and bacteria which can ultimately lead to the loss of bone tissue and teeth. Receding gums are often treated with a gum graft to prevent permanent, long-term damage.
Are Gum Grafts Painful?
It is possible for a patient to require a gum graft for one tooth or multiple teeth throughout their mouth. A main priority for the dentist is to ensure patients are comfortable and do not experience pain during the grafting procedure. To accomplish this, the affected areas are numbed with a local anesthetic. Following the completion of surgery, dressing is placed over the grafting site to ensure it is protected while it heals.
Following the outpatient procedure, the patient will be sent home where the anesthesia will wear off. Over the next few days, it is common for patients to experience some swelling and slight discomfort. The dentist may prescribe patients with pain medication and an antibiotic to help prevent infection. Some patients find that they can use over-the-counter medication to manage the pain. Patients who experience severe pain which does not improve should follow up with their dentist or periodontist for further evaluation.
Pain Management
In order to minimize pain and avoid complications, it is important for patients to closely follow post-procedure instructions provided by the dental team. Below is a summary of general instructions for patients to follow after a gum grafting procedure:
- Place gauze next to the surgery site and use gentle pressure to manage bleeding
- Avoid physical activity for at least 24 hours following surgery
- Do not pull on the lips near the surgery site
- Avoid touching the tongue to the surgical area
- Keep dressing in place
- Do not brush or rinse the mouth the day of the procedure
- After 24 hours, use a mouth rinse to eliminate bacteria in the mouth
- Avoid brushing near the grafting area for about a month and use a soft toothbrush with extremely gentle pressure
Recovery
The recovery process from a gum graft procedure is relatively quick. Patients can expect to have some soreness at the surgical site for a day or two. Most patients are able to resume routine activities within a few days of the procedure. The dentist or periodontist may prescribe a special mouth rinse to keep the mouth clean while protecting the graft. While patients wait for the graft to heal, the rinse kills bacteria. The recovery process from gum grafting is typically short and the mouth heals quickly.
Contact the office today to schedule an appointment with the dentist. The team can help determine if you are a good candidate for gum grafting and answer any questions regarding the procedure and recovery.