Gum Grafting Recovery
The recovery period following a gum graft port huron michigan will largely depend on whether the grafting material is from a donor bank or if the tissue is taken from your mouth. If donor tissue is used, this will eliminate one surgical site and make the recovery process much easier. If a traditional gum graft is performed (free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, or pedicle graft), the recovery process will be a little more difficult.
One of the best things you can do while recovering from your gum graft procedure is to follow a soft food diet to ensure that you do not damage the graft. It is especially important to avoid foods that are hot, hard, or crunchy, as these can irritate or burn the graft. Examples of good food you can eat while you recover include things like Jell-O, ice cream, cottage cheese, soft vegetables, yogurt, and eggs.
Practicing proper oral hygiene habits during this recovery period is also very important. Avoid brushing or flossing the surgical area until it has fully healed and/or if your dentist has told you it is safe to do so. Brushing or flossing during this period will increase your risk of developing an infection or of opening the wound. If prescribed an antimicrobial mouthwash, use as directed in order to avoid plaque buildup and infections.
Pain medication may be prescribed to help you manage your discomfort, along with antibiotic treatment to reduce your risk of developing an infection. It is important to take these medications as prescribed. You may experience some side effects to these medications, such as drowsiness or nausea. Avoid drinking alcohol, driving, and/or operating heavy machinery while taking these medications. If you are not prescribed pain medication and experiencing excessive discomfort, take OTC pain medications such as Tylenol.
Another important aspect of your recovery process is making sure you get enough rest. You should plan ahead to ensure you have at least 72 hours following your procedure where you will not need to exert excess energy. It is also a good idea to avoid strenuous activities or vigorous exercise until you have been cleared to do so.
In addition to helping ensure your recovery period is as fast as possible and that you do not experience any unnecessary pain, following these aftercare instructions also reduces the risk of complications developing. Though not common, infections can occur, or the graft may not properly adapt. An infection will typically present as unexpected bleeding or oozing around the site. If you notice either of these, contact your dental office as soon as possible. If the graft fails to adapt, another procedure may need to be performed.
By following these and any additional aftercare instructions closely, you will experience less discomfort and recover faster. In general, it should take one to two weeks for you to fully recover from your gum graft procedure. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled around this time period, during which your dentist or periodontist will examine the graft to ensure it is successful and advise you on whether it is safe to begin brushing and flossing and returning to all normal activities.