How painful is gum grafting surgery?

The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.

How long does it take to recover from gum graft surgery?

Gum grafting covers exposed teeth roots and adds volume to your gum line, improving overall oral health. Recovery usually takes one week to two weeks, but it may take longer. Gum grafting has a good success rate and can reduce your risk of severe gum disease.

How long does the pain last after gum graft?

Pain. The area of the gum graft will be tender for a day or two, and sensitive to hot or cold drinks and hard foods for a several weeks afterward.

Should I be scared for a gum graft?

There is no need to be scared of getting a gum graft. An anesthetic is usually administered at the start of the treatment, so there is no pain involved. Most patients only deal with mild soreness and discomfort afterward. This can generally be managed with over-the-counter or prescription painkillers.

Is gum grafting a major surgery?

Although a gum graft is not considered major dental surgery, it is best to consult with a specialist (periodontist) for optimum results. Preventing the need for gum grafts starts with knowing why gum recession occurs: Heredity – You can't change who your ancestors are, but you can take steps to manage your oral health.

Ask a Dentist: Gum Grafting 101

When is it too late for gum grafting?

In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.

Are you awake during gum graft surgery?

During your gum graft surgery, you'll probably be awake like most people, or perhaps opt to be sedated. Most patients do not require anything more than local anesthetics to numb the area. Once the area is numb you will only feel slight applied pressure but will not feel pain or sharpness.

How do you sleep with a gum graft?

Following oral surgery, we recommend that you sleep with your head and shoulders propped up above your heart level. Add an extra pillow or two to your bed or to the place where you will be resting. If you have a recliner, this is also an excellent way to keep your head elevated.

Does gum graft change your smile?

Soft Tissue Gum Grafts Restore Original Root Coverage

Treatment depends on each individual, but if its only a question of gum recession — showing a little more root — soft tissue gum grafts can be an ideal solution. Everyone who undergoes the procedure ends up with a more youthful smile.

Is gum grafting covered by insurance?

Gum grafting is generally covered by insurance plan; however, every patient's plan will have different levels of coverage and out of pocket expenses.

Can I drive home after a gum graft?

If we use local anesthesia to numb you during the procedure, you can drive yourself home from the office. Most local anesthesia wears off in about 4-8 hours. If you requested stronger anesthetic medication, like IV or oral sedation, you need someone else to drive you home after the procedure.

Is it hard to talk after gum graft surgery?

Talking causes your mouth's muscles to stretch, which, in turn, can loosen up the gauze and increase the chances of bleeding. Refraining from speaking is hard, but try to remain silent as much as possible for the first two to three days after gum grafting surgery.

Is there an alternative to gum grafting?

One of the more popular alternatives to having a traditional gum graft performed is a newer procedure called the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Much like orthoscopic/laparoscopic surgery, this minimally invasive procedure corrects gum recession by making a small hole in your gumline.

How long will my face be swollen after gum graft?

The swelling may last for 5 to 7 days. Once the swelling starts to go down, your face may bruise. The bruising could last for up to 10 days after your surgery.

Does it hurt to get stitches out after gum graft?

Suture Removal

You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness.

Is gum grafting serious?

Gum grafting is a highly safe and effective procedure; it has been tested and proven successful in treating countless cases of receding and thinning gums due to aggressive brushing and gum disease. Still, complications and infections may occur, especially without proper post-op care.

How do you prepare for gum graft surgery?

Gum graft patients should visit the market prior to the surgery to stock up on soft foods prior to the procedure. Grocery shopping is not something you'll want to after gum graft surgery when you should be relaxing and recovering. Patients should follow a soft-food diet for the first few days following gum grafting.

What percentage of gum grafts are successful?

Recovery. The gum grafting procedure has a 90% success rate, therefore patients can feel confident the procedure will benefit them. Recovery from this procedure normally takes 4-6 weeks, during which patients will be asked not to brush or floss near the newly repaired area.

What not to do after gum graft surgery?

AVOID PEROXIDE, ALCOHOL, CARBONATED BEVERAGES, AND DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW. After 24 Hours. You may have soft foods, such as cooked vegetables, fish, pasta, and meatloaf, which are easily chewed. You should use utensils and avoid chewing at the surgical site for 2 weeks.

Can you go to work the day after gum graft?

You should be able to resume light activity and even return to work after the first 24 hours, but because you'll be eating less and should avoid talking, it's best to stay home and off your feet for at least three days if possible.

Can a gum graft fall off?

Usually, you can tell you have a failed gum graft because you will have a large white patch of white tissue that has come off the tooth. Sometimes it may even look like the gum graft is falling off.

Can you go for walks after gum graft?

8. Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise or lifting weights for the 1st week after surgery. You may walk or ride a bike carefully. 9.

How many teeth can be gum graft at once?

How many teeth need to be grafted? If you need many teeth in your mouth grafted and want to just get this procedure done once, then alloderm should definitely be considered. If you use your own tissue, the most teeth you can typically graft at once would probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 teeth.

Do they clean your teeth before a gum graft?

What does gum grafting treatment involve? Once the need for gum grafting surgery has been determined, there are several treatments the dentist will want perform before gum grafting takes place. First, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned supra and subgingivally to remove calculus (tartar) and bacteria.

How long after gum graft can I brush my teeth?

A: You may resume brushing and flossing all teeth except the surgical area 24 hours after surgery. Avoid brushing the surgical area until your stitches are removed or have dissolved depending on the type of stitches placed for your procedure.