Gum Grafting Recovery

Gum grafting sounds like an intimidating procedure, but in reality, the name sounds scarier than the procedure and recovery actually are. The surgery itself is over quickly and recovery takes a couple of weeks. If you need gum grafting, come see us and learn about your options. Gum grafting is an important process and can improve your oral health. This guide will help you prepare for the recovery process.

How Painful Is Gum Grafting Recovery?

Your recovery experience after gum grafting will vary, depending on the specifics of your procedure. Gum grafts can be performed with tissue harvested from your body, typically taken from the palate, with gum tissue from the area needing treatment, or with donor tissues. The extent of your procedure and the type of tissues used will impact your comfort levels during recovery. The good news is, we have many options available for pain management and will help you create a plan to ensure your recovery is as pleasant as possible.

The mouth heals quickly and most patients feel better in just a few days. After an examination, we can give you a better estimation of downtime and an expected recovery timeline. Come see us!

Oral Care During Gum Grafting Recovery

Special attention to your oral health can help you to avoid infections and complications after gum grafting. We’ll give you specific recovery instructions after your procedure, but here are a few recovery guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare for your procedure:

  • Let the Tissues Heal– Brushing and flossing are important, but after gum grafting, you’ll want to skip these activities for a few days in the treated areas. Don’t disturb the transplanted tissues and give them time to heal.
  • Keep Clean with Rinses- We often use oral rinses to keep the mouth clean and to minimize plaque development after gum grafting surgery. Rinse your mouth as directed using the special solutions and instructions we provide.
  • Limit Physical Activity- You may need to limit your physical activity after gum grafting surgery for a few days. Avoid strenuous activities until you’ve been cleared by your doctor. You may need to take a couple of days off from work while you heal.

What Foods Should I Eat After Gum Grafting?

A soft, easy to eat diet is important during the healing process. Avoid hot (temperature) and spicy foods. Focus on soft foods like:

  • Eggs
  • Pasta
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream
  • Soups

Cool any hot foods to a cool, comfortable temperature before eating. We’ll let you know when you can safely resume your regular diet.

Gum grafting may sound scary but can save your teeth and improve your smile. Let us help you restore your mouth to prime dental health. Call today and schedule a consultation at Hill Country Oral Surgery.