Sleep somewhat inclined For the first 2 nights after the procedure, sleep in a recliner chair or with your head propped up with some pillows. A recliner is better. If you keep your head above your heart level for the first 2 days, it will significantly cut down on post-op swelling. Less swelling equals less pain.
Most swelling can occur in the morning and up to 3 days after surgery. Avoid sleeping / laying on the side that surgery was performed.
During a gum graft surgery, your periodontist will: Give you local anesthesia. This numbs your teeth and gums in that area. Many periodontists also offer sedation dentistry options for your comfort, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation.
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.
Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery. Avoid using a straw as it may cause suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding and loss of graft.
Avoid any hard, spicy, crusty, coffee or acidic foods. Chewing should be done on the side opposite the surgical site.
For two or three days following a gum graft, eat soft and unsticky foods. Eat lots of things like warm (not hot) oatmeal, cream of wheat cereal, eggs, yogurt, pasta, smoothies (not too cold), and mashed potatoes that have cooled slightly. Jello is another ideal option.
Your periodontist will ask you to keep the gauze in place for the first 40 to 50 minutes, reducing the risk of bleeding. You should also refrain from speaking. While you may feel up to chatting, it's best to wait 2 or 3 days unless otherwise advised by a dentist.
Take time off from your exercise routine and other heavy physical activity for at least 5 days after surgery and even more if you need it. Use ice packs for swelling. You'll experience minor swelling or inflammation near the gums on the first day after graft surgery.
Your oral surgeon will use plenty of anesthetic and possibly sedation to keep you as comfortable as possible. These can take some time to wear off in some cases, which can cause you to feel tired for the rest of the day.
We recommend you wait to eat after a gum graft until the anesthesia has worn off. After your mouth stops feeling numb, you can think about eating. For the first day after you have the surgery done, you need to stick to cold, soft foods. These foods might include ice cream, jello, cold soups, and pudding.
The cost of gum grafting starts at $1200. There are other factors, like the severity, that may increase the cost. Remember, we have payment options available to suit your budget. Remember, your gums may recede over time so it's important to keep regular dental appointments so your dentist can keep track of this.
Do Not Plan Anything for At Least Three Days. 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.
Brushing: You may brush the CHEWING surfaces of your teeth beginning the day AFTER surgery. PLEASE do NOT brush your gum tissue in the areas of surgery at all for the first week. DO NOT USE A DENTAL IRRIGATOR, WATER FLOSSER OR WATER-PICK for 3 full weeks following surgery.
What's happening? A normal part of wound healing is swelling, so when the tissue around your teeth swells, it will move the teeth slightly out of position. This usually starts two to four days after the surgery and lasts for about three to four days.
If the graft is from the roof of your mouth, patients typically describe the pain as similar to a hot pizza burn- but this can be avoided with closure of the donor site and coverage of the palate with a mouth guard.
For soft tissue “gum” grafts, the site(s) may appear white during the healing process (up to 2 weeks), this is normal and not a sign of infection. The tissue will change to a pink color as it heals.
It takes a few weeks to heal and swelling to subside, and during that time the graft will adapt to the area. After that, it will take another few weeks to see the full benefits — the restored appearance of the gums.
The third day after surgery, a soft food diet can be started where you can enjoy pasta, fish, soup, mashed potatoes, rice, eggs, cooked soft vegetables, or oatmeal. Avoid chewing on the surgical site side of the mouth.
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.
ALCOHOL. It is recommended that you refrain from alcohol intake for 3-5 days following surgery. Alcohol can delay wound healing and/or cause increased bleeding.
This is a pink, putty like material resembling bubble gum that has been placed around the teeth in the area of surgery and on the roof of the mouth, if a donor site was used. In the recipient area, we would like the dressing to stay until your first postoperative visit.
Nutritious Foods That Aid Recovery After Gum Graft Surgery
Here are some healthy foods that can aid in healing: Lean proteins: options such as chicken, fish, and tofu can aid tissue repair and recovery.
Gum healing stage 2: healing of the palate
The palate takes longer to heal than the gum graft and spans from six to eight weeks following the surgery. For the first few days you will experience a burning sensation and it will take about 14 days before the discomfort will stop.