Gingival grafting is a treatment used for receding gums whereby exposed tooth roots are covered using healthy gum tissue. Gingival grafts protect your exposed tooth roots from sensitivity and improve the appearance of your gums. A major concern among patients undergoing this type of procedure is how long it will take to recover after surgery. Recovery times are different, but adhering to the dentist’s instructions increases the chances of proper healing.
The First Week of Recovery
The first few days after gingival grafting play a key role in the healing process. Some degree of swelling, tenderness, and mild bleeding is normal during the healing phase. These conditions will slowly get better as the healing progresses.
The dentist may prescribe or suggest some kind of medication to help relieve the pain. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek during the first 24 hours will help reduce the inflammation. It is also advisable not to touch or disturb the grafted area.
How Long Does Healing Take?
Most people begin to feel noticeably better within one to two weeks. In the course of this period, the swelling reduces, and pain usually continues to improve.
Complete healing takes longer because the grafted tissue needs time to integrate with the surrounding gum tissue. The process of integration will depend on the amount of tissue grafted and your oral health.
How to Support a Smooth Recovery
Following your aftercare instructions supports proper healing and protects the graft. The dentist may also advise you to consume soft foods for several days to ensure that pressure is not applied to the affected area. Hard, crunchy, spicy, and excessively hot foods should be avoided until the gums heal.
Brushing and flossing should be done based on your dentist’s recommendation. Your dentist may recommend avoiding brushing the grafted area temporarily and using a prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse instead. Do not smoke or use any tobacco products, as these will affect healing and make the procedure ineffective.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Although most patients recover without complications, certain symptoms should prompt a call to your dentist. Contact your dentist if you are suffering from heavy bleeding, increasing severe pain, noticeable swelling after several days, or infection, such as fever or strange discharge.
Follow-up visits will allow your dentist to ensure that you are recovering as expected.
Schedule Your Consultation at Pearl Dentistry
Gingival grafting can be a lengthy process; however, following the appropriate aftercare procedures will ensure that your recovery and end result are both successful. For more information on gum recession or if you want to see if gingival grafting is the best procedure for you, the expert dentists at Pearl Dentistry are here to help with all stages of your procedure.