The level of pain you experience will also vary depending upon what type of gum graft you have performed. If no tissue is removed from your palate, you will likely not experience much discomfort at all; however, if tissue is removed, you should plan on some mild to moderate discomfort following the procedure.
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.
Patients using tissue from their palate for the graft can typically expect the area where the tissue was removed to be tender for around 7-10 days, whereas patients using donor tissue will likely only experience discomfort for 2-4 days.
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.
You'll be numb during your gum graft surgery, so you won't feel anything during the procedure. You'll probably have mild soreness after your procedure, but your periodontist will give you medications and post-surgical instructions to help minimize your discomfort.
When can I eat my regular diet after a gum graft? Typically, your gum graft should heal within 14 days. After that, you can resume eating as you wish. However, the only away to know for certain is by consulting with your periodontist.
Sutures (stitches) will usually have to be removed approximately 10 days to 2 weeks following your surgery. Do not disturb the sutures with your tongue, toothbrush or any other device. Displacement of sutures will impair healing and affect the success of your procedure.
Gum graft surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make small incisions in your gums and insert donor tissue or synthetic material into the affected area.
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.
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.
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. With alloderm, you could graft every single tooth in your mouth in one sitting!
Avoid Talking (As Much As Possible)
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.
Most swelling can occur in the morning and up to 3 days after surgery. Avoid sleeping / laying on the side that surgery was performed.
Avoid any hard, spicy, crusty, coffee or acidic foods. Chewing should be done on the side opposite the surgical site.
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.
Gum grafting surgeries have a success rate of up to 90%. Besides, with local anesthesia, you should not experience any pain during your treatment. Afterward, your dentist will prescribe pain medication to help you manage your soreness after the numbing wears off.
For most procedures, most patients report 2-3 ibuprofen( Motrin or Advil) or 1-2 extra-strength acetaminophen (Tylenol) is adequate to control pain.
It may not feel like it at first because the surgery was only in your mouth, but your entire body will feel the impact of a gum graft. You may feel sore, overwhelmed, tired and anxious. Getting plenty of rest will help ease these symptoms and get you back to feeling like yourself in no time.
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.
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.
Gum grafts fail (often) because poor conditions weren't detected in advance of treatment. This may be a lack of sufficient supporting bone tissue. This may be because of abnormal tooth position that doesn't favour graft success.
The gum grafting procedure heals in two stages. These involve the healing of the donor site where the graft was taken, and the gum graft itself. During the two stages, both sites need to heal properly in order for your gum grafting to be successful.
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.
While a gum graft procedure isn't considered major surgery, it does require some recovery time and short-term modifications to your diet. The procedure typically takes tissue from the roof of the mouth, also known as the palate. The healthy tissue is attached to the location where dead and diseased tissue was removed.